Latest California Healthline Stories
What’s Behind All the Bad Press for Health Insurers?
Health insurers say they are getting a bad rap when the real target of the public’s outrage should be rising health care costs. Consumer advocates argue that the two are inextricably linked in the current health care system, and California regulators are stepping up oversight.
Tallying the Uninsured a Challenge in Health Care Reform Debate
Agreeing on how many people actually lack health insurance is a major step in any discussion of how to rework the system. Key California lawmakers have made it that far, leaving the question: What, if any, health care reform will come out of the 2007 legislative session?
PBGH, California Insurers Team Up on Transparency Initiative Backed by Medicare
Leaders from the Pacific Business Group on Health, Blue Shield of California and the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development talked to California Healthline about the project’s implications for state residents.
Study Shows Disparities in End-of-Life Care
California has a diverse population, but nearly three-fourths of its hospice patients are white, a recent study found. Researcher LaVera Crawley said cultural differences can be a barrier between providers and patients.
On Health Reform, Ask: Where Is the Opposition Coming From?
One of the greatest challenges for any of the proposals to rework California’s health care system is the possibility of a referendum, pushing backers of the efforts to carefully consider whether interest groups will outright oppose a plan, even if they won’t support it.
What Killed the Santa Barbara County Care Data Exchange?
The untimely demise of the Santa Barbara County Care Data Exchange raises questions about the models for long-term viability of care data exchanges. Bruce Fried examines some of the issues that plagued the SBCCDE and finds that building a long-lasting care data exchange is always harder than it looks.
Public Health Insurance Is There But Enrollment Is Lagging
Almost three million of California’s uninsured are eligible for immediate health insurance, but such an influx of new beneficiaries would require the state and federal governments to increase funding for a range of public health insurance programs.
What Kind of Health Care Vehicle Is California Looking for?
Business interests agree that the health care system is in need of a fix, but they have yet to fall in line behind a single proposal. Looking back on the repeal of California’s last attempt at large-scale health reform, those pushing reform are quick to recognize the need to win businesses’ favor.
SPECIAL AUDIO REPORT: Medi-Cal Will Be a Guiding Force in Expanding Health IT
Ann Boynton of the Health and Human Services Agency said adoption of electronic health records will depend on what kind of incentives the state offers to doctors who participate in California’s Medicaid program.
California Hospitals Wonder if Feds Will Kick in for Health Reform
Gov. Schwarzenegger’s health care reform plan would rely on $3.7 billion in federal funds, but officials for the California Hospital Association are not convinced that the federal government will come through with the money.