Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Insurer Consolidation Under Scrutiny
As Congress convenes hearings examining the issue, we asked legislators, consumer advocates and stakeholders to weigh in on the pros and cons of consolidation in the health insurance industry.
Court Rules Blue Cross, Blue Shield May Need To Pay State Health Premiums Tax
Two large health care service plans can be called health insurers, a court has ruled, and may be subject to California’s gross premiums tax.
ACA Could Be a Boon for American Indians, but Enrollment Challenges Remain
Helping American Indians and Alaska Natives enroll in Affordable Care Act coverage can be difficult, even though doing so would improve health disparities and bring in more funding for tribal health care providers.
Website Will Compare Health Insurance
Collaboration between the state and Consumer Reports will allow health insurance shoppers to see differences in quality and price.
Bill Passed To Undo ‘Step Therapy’ Rule
Under some health insurance rules, patients need to fail several therapies before their providers are allowed to prescribe what they want. The California Legislature approved a bill that could change that.
What the Anthem-Cigna Mega-Merger Could Mean for California
Anthem plans to buy Cigna, and their merger would create a new top player in California’s insurance market. But how much will it actually shake up California?
Why the State’s Seizure of a Local Health Plan May Have Rescued It
The state took over the finances and operation of Alameda Alliance for Health just over a year ago. Now, after a year of conservatorship, the local health plan may finally be back on financially solid footing.
ACA Improved Rx Drug Access, But Some Still Face Barriers to Finding Best Coverage
The Affordable Care Act requires health plans to include coverage for prescription drugs, but differing medication formularies, incomplete coverage information and other obstacles could be keeping consumers from actually using those benefits.
Timing Right for State To Align Health Insurance Oversight Under One Roof?
We asked legislators, regulators, consumer advocates and health care experts to weigh in on a new report saying the timing is right for California to move away from bifurcated oversight and designate a single health insurance regulator.
Oscar Wants To ‘Revolutionize’ Health Care. But Will It Even Survive Covered California?
Oscar, the buzzed-about health insurance startup, will join Covered California this year. Can it deliver on its hype, or will it get lost in the crowd?