Latest California Healthline Stories
What Will Happen to HSAs Under Reform?
More than one million Californians now are covered by health savings account-eligible health plans. However, the six-year-old HSA model may be threatened by the health care overhaul.
Moving Homeless Patient Discharge From the Streets
Los Angeles’ law prohibiting hospitals from discharging homeless patients back to the street was a catalyst for creating recuperative and transitional care programs that help the city and county deal with the nation’s largest homeless population.
Promises, Challenges of Health Reform in California
Because many provisions of the new national law will be carried out differently in different states, stakeholders and policy makers in each state will play a key part in how the law is put into action. We asked stakeholders to assess the promise and challenge of health care reform in California.
Community Clinics To Assume Key Reform Role
New federal funding for community health centers is an essential, if oft-overlooked, aspect of the health reform overhaul. In California, the centers could become the medical home for several million additional patients.
Long-Term Care Coverage Headed for Change in California
The CLASS Act, which establishes a national long-term care program, could have major implications for California, but it will be years before any impact is felt. Meanwhile, California struggles with rising costs and oversight of long-term care.
Assessing Health Care Impacts of Reforms for Immigrants
Health policy experts, immigrants and immigrant rights organizations are assessing the health care impacts for immigrants in one sweeping reform already signed into law and the potential impacts of another one on the horizon — immigration reform.
California Gears Up for Reform Provisions Taking Effect This Year
More than a month after President Obama signed health reform into law, California lawmakers, health providers, insurers and patients are gearing up for the slew of provisions set to take effect this year.
Room for Growth in California’s Cross-Border Insurance
The relatively small but vibrant cross-border health insurance market connecting California and Mexico is poised for a dramatic expansion, experts say. Health care costs in Mexico are lower, and the new health reform requirement that all individuals have health insurance could lead some to choose binational plans.
Seeking Answers on Medicaid Expansion
The success of the health reform implementation hinges on a broad Medicaid expansion, but state officials have significant questions as they grapple with new requirements. Meanwhile, the reform law likely prevents the governor’s proposed budget cuts to state health insurance programs.
Fight Over Premium Hikes Just Beginning
Outrage over Anthem’s proposed double-digit premium hikes played a crucial role in the health reform debate, but states’ own efforts to curb premiums are sparking stand-offs across the nation. Critics say the showdowns foreshadow greater disputes over reform’s implementation.