Latest California Healthline Stories
After 2 Years of Cal eConnect, What’s Next for HIE in California?
At Cal eConnect, one CEO left, another bailed on the job before he started, and now the board of directors dissolved its grant agreement with the state. If it goes right, the latter move may be the best thing that could happen to California’s primary health information exchange facilitator.
Costs in New Adult Day Program Almost Same as Old One
The state’s rallying cry when it first wanted to eliminate adult day health care as a Medi-Cal benefit was that it would save money. Now, after more than a year of battles at the Capitol and in court, the budget for the new Community-Based Adult Services program looks pretty similar to the ADHC budget that it replaced.
Harold Miller of the Network for Regional Healthcare Improvement Discusses Innovation
Harold Miller, president and CEO of the Network for Regional Healthcare Improvement, spoke with California Healthline about the importance of pursuing innovative health care improvement strategies that are tailored to local needs.
Bay Area Becoming Center of Health Care Innovation
The combination of risk-takers, technology brainpower and teamwork has contributed to making the San Francisco Bay Area a leader in innovation in social media, tech product development and research. The same traits are turning the Bay Area into a mecca of inventive health care delivery.
Big Data Has Potential for Big Impact in Health Care Research, Delivery
Big data — the collection and manipulation of enormous amounts of information — has the potential to change the way health care is researched and delivered, according to California health care experts.
State Loses Bid To Cut FQHC Rates, Restructure Pay System
Two budget subcommittees recently rejected an attempt by the state Department of Health Care Services to rework the way it pays federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics. The proposal included a funding cut of 10%, or about $100 million, to those centers.
California Sees Increase in Parents Seeking Exemptions From Vaccination Requirements
Oakland pediatrician Bruce Horwitz, Barbara Loe Fisher of the National Vaccine Information Center, John Talarico of the state Department of Public Health and a parent who plans to apply for a personal belief exemption spoke with California Healthline about the growing trend of parents seeking vaccine exemptions.
Risks, Rewards Higher for Managing Dual Eligibles
California health plan officials say the experience of shifting seniors and persons with disabilities into Medi-Cal managed care plans over the past year will help as the state moves dual eligibles — beneficiaries of both Medicare and Medi-Cal — into managed care this year.
San Diego Barbershops Offer Shave, Haircut and Health Screening
Volunteers this month will descend on barbershops in Southeast San Diego to screen African-American men for diabetes and high blood pressure during a multicity event aimed at raising awareness and addressing health disparities.
Successful Program for Seniors Shifting to Managed Care
The Multipurpose Senior Services Program, considered an important component of the state’s safety net for some of California’s most frail seniors, is about to be folded into the larger managed care system. Some beneficiaries and advocates are concerned about what the shift will mean for services.