Latest California Healthline Stories
Kaiser-Target Partnership Sign of Times
The growing influence of the patient as a consumer is pushing health care organizations to try new ways to provide care. A new partnership in San Diego between Kaiser Permanente and Target illustrates that retail clinics play a growing role in meeting consumer expectations.
Why States Using the Federal Exchange Are Unlikely To Run Their Own
Few states using the federal insurance exchange seem willing to establish their own marketplace. That’s even in light of a Supreme Court case that could nullify subsidies for consumers purchasing health insurance through HealthCare.gov, as well as cost such states billions of dollars in assistance and economic gains.
Patching County Safety Nets While Working for Statewide Coverage for Uninsured
Health Access and the California Endowment highlighted progress in five counties as part of their campaign to provide health coverage for an estimated three million Californians still without health insurance.
Blue Shield Lost Its Tax Exemption Last Year. Who’s Next?
After 75 years, Blue Shield of California is tax-exempt no more. With a slew of bills and audits underway across the nation, experts say to expect further scrutiny of not-for-profit insurers and hospitals — and possibly, a wave of other health care organizations losing tax-exempt status, too.
Bill Melds Health Reform Goal With Shift in California Workers’ Comp System
A bill in the California Legislature seeks to provide health care for farm workers by redirecting money from the state’s $15 billion workers compensation system.
HIV Medication Decision in Florida May Have Implications in California
A lawsuit in Florida triggered an insurer’s decision to lower the price of certain HIV medications for consumers by assigning the drugs to the generic drug tier. Advocates say the move may affect California’s pricing.
State Insurance Commissioner Calls Out Blue Shield for ‘Second Tax Dodge’
On the heels of the Franchise Tax Board’s revocation of Blue Shield of California’s tax-exempt status, the state insurance commissioner said the insurer is avoiding premium taxes to the tune of $100 million each year.
Report Urges Statewide Standards for Indigent Care in California
A new report from Health Access urges state policymakers to adopt more statewide standards for indigent care to improve California’s safety-net system which varies widely from county to county.
Uninsured Rate for ‘Young Invincibles’ Dips Below 10% at State Universities
A sharp decline in the rate of uninsured Latino students contributed to overall low uninsured rates at seven California State University campuses, according to research released yesterday.
How To Avoid the Horse Race When Following the ACA Supreme Court Case
Wednesday’s oral arguments in King v. Burwell represent the culmination of a long legal battle over the Affordable Care Act’s subsidies. Here’s a look at several late-breaking developments and data that have shaped the case, as well as implications.