Latest California Healthline Stories
Oral Health Advocates Call for More Emphasis on Dental Coverage in Health Care Reform
The California Dental Association’s Dean Chalios, Paul Glassman of the University of the Pacific and Daphne Von Essen of the California Dental Hygienists’ Association discussed oral health care with California Healthline.
What’s the Best Strategy for Funding Health Care Efforts in California?
Much has been made of the May 19 special election in California, and some political analysts have raised questions about what the election results say about voters’ willingness to dedicate specific revenue streams to health care programs. Two state lawmakers shared their thoughts on the issue.
Congress Returns To Work on Reform With Deadlines Looming
President Obama has said he wants to sign health care reform legislation by October. Looking at the calendar, that means Congress has a lot of work to do in the weeks before it adjourns for its August recess, especially on divisive issues like how to pay for reform and whether to include a public plan.
California Offers Examples of Public Plans in House Hearings
Officials for two different types of Medi-Cal managed care plans appeared before a House committee last week in support of including a public plan in health care reform legislation, while a representative of the Pacific Business Group on Health raised businesses’ concerns about such a plan.
Public Opinion, Research Show Support for Health Care Reform
A slew of public interest polls, research papers and petitions point to overwhelming agreement that the country’s health system needs an overhaul. The flurry of opinion and research arrives as Congress begins deliberation on competing reform bills.
Reducing Safety Net Bad Fiscal, Moral Choice, Advocates Say
Gov. Schwarzenegger’s plan to eliminate primary care programs for migrant workers and other low-income Californians along with plans to eliminate adult day health care programs for frail seniors may save money now but health advocates say the cuts will cost the state in the long run.
State’s Public Health Programs Excel at Cost Control, Study Shows
Health premiums for plans purchased by private California employers increased by 138% over the past decade, almost four times more than premium increases for Medi-Cal and Healthy Families coverage from the same insurance companies, according to new research.
Physicians’ Move to ‘Concierge Medicine’ Raises Concerns About Access to Health Care Services
Thomas LaGrelius of the Society for Innovative Medical Practice Design, Anthony Wright of Health Access and physicians Paul Sweigert and Mai-Phuong Nguyen discussed the trend with California Healthline.
Californians Rank Health Coverage Essentials in New Study
California patients prefer a no-frills approach to health insurance, and they’re willing to trade non-essential coverage for keeping costs down, according to a new report, “What Matters Most.”
California Lawmakers Take Aim at Gender-Based Pricing for Health Insurance Coverage
California Sen. Mark Leno, Lisa Codispoti of the National Women’s Law Center, Marti Fisher of the California Chamber of Commerce and Robert Zirkelbach of America’s Health Insurance Plans discuss the efforts.