Latest California Healthline Stories
Slipping Between Medicaid And Marketplace Coverage Can Leave Consumers Confused
KHN’s consumer columnist answers questions about how people can handle moving between the government health plan for low-income residents and the private plans offered on the federal health law’s exchanges.
Agreement may be near for replacing California’s $1.1 billion managed care organization tax, which now looks nothing like it did when it was first proposed.
Scrutinizing Aetna-Humana Deal
At a public hearing yesterday weighing the merits and drawbacks of the Aetna/Humana merger, the director of the state Department of Managed Health Care said she’s wary of health insurance consolidation.
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.