Latest California Healthline Stories
Kuehl Hands Off California’s Single-Payer Torch to Leno
The legislative campaign for a single-payer health care system is moving into its second decade in California with newly elected state Sen. Mark Leno ready to deal with same governor who opposes the plan and a weakening economy.
Cash Infusion From First 5 California Keeps Enrollment Open for Healthy Families Program
Lesley Cummings of the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board, Wendy Lazarus of the Children’s Partnership and Kris Perry of First 5 California talked to California Healthline about creative financing to keep Healthy Families up and running.
Physician Organizations Have Mixed Reactions To Decision Upholding Ban on Balance Billing
Don Crane of the California Association of Physician Groups, Elena Lopez-Gusman of the American College of Emergency Physicians and Lynne Randolph from the state Department of Managed Health Care discussed the ruling.
Lack of Insurance Hazardous to Health, Hospital Report Shows
Uninsured Californians and Medi-Cal beneficiaries are more likely to die in California hospitals than patients with private insurance, according to a new state report. The California Hospital Association traces the disparity to limited access to primary care services.
Advocates Oppose Halt To Kids’ Insurance Enrollment
As Californians face the bleakest economy in decades, California’s State Children’s Health Insurance Program is considering putting a hold on enrollment because of a budget deficit. Advocates say help could come from Washington, D.C. early in the next administration.
Critics Argue for Overhaul, Expansion of California High-Risk Health Insurance Program
Elizabeth Landsberg of the Western Center on Law and Poverty, Anthony Wright of Health Access and Robert Zirkelbach of America’s Health Insurance Plans spoke to California Healthline about the state’s high-risk insurance program.
State To End Part B Premium Payments for Some Beneficiaries
Thousands of low-income seniors will soon be responsible for paying $96.40 monthly premiums for Medicare Part B that California previously had paid. Senior advocates worry that the change will push some beneficiaries to opt out of Part B, which covers outpatient care.
Autism Advocates Pushing for State Laws Requiring Health Insurers To Cover Treatments
Kristin Jacobson of advocacy group Autism Speaks, Susan Pisano of America’s Health Insurance Plans and Antonio Hardan of Stanford University’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital discuss coverage of autism treatments.
Health Care Advocates Warn of ‘Dark Times’ for Latinos
Economic woes in California and across the nation make for a dim outlook for health care efforts for at least the next year, according to health care advocates in California. Recent research indicates that Latinos are at heightened risk of diabetes and face obstacles to care.
Campaigns Launched To Move Californians From Fat to Fit
Even before a statewide survey confirmed this month that Californians are overweight, out of shape and getting that way earlier in life, health and government officials were responding with an array of programs and legislation to combat obesity.