Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Reform in 2015: A Year in Review
From the King v. Burwell decision to the ultimate “doc fix,” there were some major developments in health care reform this year.
State Urged To Protect Consumers in Proposed Centene-Health Net Merger
Consumer advocates, contending that “health care mergers generally lead to … fewer choices, inadequate physician networks and higher premiums,” are urging state officials to protect consumers in the proposed merger of Centene and Health Net.
Under Review: How DOJ, FTC Decide Whether To OK Health Insurance Mergers
While some reviews last just 30 days, it could take antitrust regulators more than a year to approve or deny proposed mergers between Anthem and Cigna and Aetna and Humana. An antitrust law expert says that’s because the companies have significant overlap in business products and practices.
Hearing Looks at Acquisition of Insurer
State regulators heard from all sides during a public hearing yesterday over the planned merger of health insurers Centene and Health Net.
Advocates Ratchet Up Pressure on Blue Shield To Increase Foundation Funding
Consumer groups’ letter joins concerns raised by the Department of Managed Health Care over insurer’s lack of increase in foundation funding after merger approval.
Supreme Court To Hear Case Deciding Fate of All-Payers Claims Databases
The nation’s highest court is scheduled today to hear a case that could decide the future of statewide health insurance claims databases, which are considered an important tool in improving care and reducing costs.
Disagreement Over Charity Contributions Simmers in Blue Shield’s Care1st Deal
Blue Shield of California said it is abiding by the language outlining charitable contributions in its agreement with the Department of Managed Health Care clearing the way for its $1.2 billion acquisition of Care1st. Consumer advocates say the insurer is reneging on a promise.
California and its Counties Leading Way on Health Benefits for Undocumented
Contra Costa County Supervisor Candice Anderson, Rosa Maria Arriaga, a 72-year-old patient, Álvaro Fuentes of Contra Costa County’s Community Clinic Consortium, Gerald Kominski of the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, Gabrielle Lessard of the National Immigration Law Center, Ira Mehlman of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, Teshina Wilson, a physician at a Richmond clinic, and Anthony Wright of Health Access California spoke with California Healthline about the state’s efforts to provide health care to undocumented immigrants.
Another One Bites the Dust: Why Are 12 ACA Co-Ops Closing?
Yesterday, a 12th cooperative health plan created under the Affordable Care Act announced that it will shut down. Why have more than half of such co-ops failed, and what do the closures mean for consumers?
Best Practices for Provider Directories? Study Aims To Inform California Lawmakers
Many first-time health insurance buyers rely on plans’ provider directories to select coverage or choose a doctor, so why is it so hard for insurers, Medicaid agencies and insurance exchanges to keep those lists up-to-date?