Latest California Healthline Stories
Marijuana Policy Winds Shifting in California
As public sentiment moves toward legalizing marijuana, California lawmakers are considering new statewide regulations for medical marijuana — nearly two decades after California became the first state to authorize its use.
Drug Take-Back Bill Faces Opposition
A new bill in the California Legislature would require drug makers to create, finance and manage a statewide system for collecting and disposing of leftover prescription and over-the-counter drugs. The pharmaceutical industry and other business interests are lining up in opposition.
Autism Treatment at Crossroads, From Medi-Cal Coverage to New Guidelines
One type of autism therapy considered the standard of care is not covered by Medi-Cal — but that could change in the upcoming budget battle. Meanwhile, a new subset of autism may be a flashpoint in the ongoing fight to get insurers to cover treatment.
Legislators Hope To Restore Medi-Cal Provider Cut, Boost Access to Care
Mari Cantwell from the Department of Health Care Services, H.D. Palmer from the Department of Finance, Assembly member Richard Pan, Assembly member Nancy Skinner and Anthony Wright of Health Access California spoke with California Healthline about the 10% cut in reimbursement rates for Medi-Cal providers, the possible repercussions of that reduction and the recent legislative efforts to reverse that cut.
Riverside County First Responders Frustrated by Ambulance Delays
Almost half the state’s emergency medical service agencies — which serve 70% of the state’s population — have reported problems with ambulance wait times. Three counties in the Inland Empire — Riverside, San Bernardino and Kern — are grappling with the problem.
Ruling in Physician Whistle-Blower Case Could Have Far-Reaching Consequences
The California Supreme Court’s ruling upholding a physician’s right to file a whistle-blower lawsuit before exhausting the peer-review process could alter hospital-physician relationships in California, according to some observers.
Medi-Cal Cuts Undermining Senior Programs, Facilities, Advocates Say
The 10% reduction in Medi-Cal reimbursements has undermined the viability of long-term care programs in California, according to advocates for seniors and the disabled who predict looming and continued closures could lead to a lack of access.
Los Angeles Joins Energy Drinks Debate
Los Angeles has formally waded into the debate over regulating energy drinks with a proposal from a city council member. The proposal asks the city to take a more active role in monitoring the beverages, which deliver a quick boost but may cause medical problems.
Another Legislative Possibility for Restoring Medi-Cal Funding
A bill seeking to tax oil extraction in California could generate as much as $500 million a year that could be used to reverse or reduce the 10% cuts to Medi-Cal reimbursements.
Others May Follow Calif. in Considering Coverage for Undocumented Immigrants
A California bill to provide health insurance for those left out of the health care reform law — including undocumented immigrants — is thought to be the first of its kind in the country, but probably won’t be the last after national immigration reform efforts stall once again in Washington, D.C.