Latest California Healthline Stories
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?
Uninsured Numbers Drop Substantially
A new study by the Kaiser Family Foundation says 68% of previously uninsured Californians now have health insurance.
Why Expanded Health Care Access for the Undocumented Is Unlikely, Despite Benefits
Research suggests that there are several potential benefits to expanding health care coverage to undocumented immigrants: avoiding a plateau in insurance gains, extending Medicare solvency and others. But expanded access is likely to stall in the face of cost and other concerns.
Should California Prohibit ‘Skinny’ Health Insurance Plans From Large Employers?
We asked legislators, consumer advocates, employers and insurers to weigh in on a bill in the California Legislature that would prohibit large employers from offering workers “skinny” health plans in California.
Senate Moves Provider Directory Bill
A proposal to require insurers to publish more accurate provider information unanimously cleared the Senate floor yesterday in the California Legislature.
State Has Good Care If You Can Get It, According to Text-Message Study
Researchers used text messages to survey low-income Californians who reported an overall positive experience with the state’s health care system.