Latest California Healthline Stories
California Consumers Face More Immediate Concerns Than Obamacare’s Uncertain Future
California Healthline’s senior correspondent Chad Terhune joined Peter Lee, executive director of Covered California, on KPCC radio’s “Air Talk” to discuss the open enrollment season and the ongoing frustration over big premium increases and narrow provider networks.
Amid Sign-Up Surge, Covered California Extends Enrollment Deadline
Despite health law uncertainty, more than 25,000 new consumers chose new plans in just two days this week.
GOP’s Timetable For Getting Repeal To Trump May Be Ambitious
Republicans say they plan to pass a bill to overhaul the federal health law in the 17 days between when Congress convenes and Inauguration Day. But past congressional budget veterans say that could prove to be very difficult.
COBRA, Retiree Plans, VA Benefits Don’t Alleviate Need To Sign Up For Medicare
Thousands of people mistakenly think that if they have insurance, they can wait to sign up for Medicare Part B. Generally, insurance other than that provided by a current employer will not exempt them from Medicare’s strict enrollment requirements.
Without ACA Guarantees, 52 Million Adults Could Have Trouble Buying Individual Plans
More than a quarter of adults under the age of 65 have health problems that could lead to a denial of insurance if they were on the individual market and the health law’s protections were revoked under the overhaul planned by Republicans, according to research by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Insurers’ Flawed Directories Leave Patients Scrambling For In-Network Doctors
Many consumers find that doctors listed in their plan’s directories aren’t accepting new patients, charge large concierge fees or may not even be in the network. Regulators don’t check.
Many Parents With Job-Based Coverage Turn To Medicaid, CHIP To Insure Kids
Researcher says the reliance on public programs is a lesson for lawmakers who will be considering renewing CHIP next year.
Need Pricey Drugs From An Obamacare Plan? You May Shoulder More Of The Cost
A Kaiser Health News analysis finds that the portion of federal marketplace plans requiring people to pay a third or more of the cost of specialty drugs have jumped from 37 to 63 percent since 2014. California has greater protections to limit consumer costs.
Doctors And Hospitals Say ‘Show Me The Money’ Before Treating Patients
As patients’ share of medical bills has grown with the rise in deductibles, copays and coinsurance, providers have become laser focused on getting payments up front.
In House Majority Leader’s Calif. District, Many Depend On Health Law He Wants To Scrap
Some of Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s constituents fear his vow to repeal Obamacare now and replace it later could rob them of coverage.