Insurance

Latest California Healthline Stories

State Pressured To Explain Why it Revoked Blue Shield’s Not-for-Profit Exemption

Consumer advocates want to know how state officials came to the decision last year to revoke Blue Shield of California’s status as a tax-exempt not-for-profit health care company. State officials said they can’t explain because of confidentiality laws.

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.

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.