Insurance

Latest California Healthline Stories

Report on Funding for Single-Payer Health Care Welcomed

Critics and fans of single payer health coverage both claim that a report by the Legislative Analyst’s Office predicting massive amounts of red ink strengthens their argument. Both sides agree that while the issue may be moot for now, it will rise again.

Collaborative Health Care Dashboard Adopted in San Francisco

San Francisco’s Health Service System, working with consultants and vendors, has engineered a collaborative, cooperative program to compare health insurance plans offered to city workers and retirees.

New Group Represents Rural Health Clinics in California

Last week, rural health clinic officials formed a new California organization to educate and advocate on behalf of “one of the most misunderstood and overlooked pieces in the health system.” State officials say they are ready to work with the group.

Sense of Austerity Goes Beyond Budget, Hits Legislature

Belt-tightening in California this spring isn’t limited to talk of next year’s budget. A penny-pinching mood — set by two appropriations committees — has settled over both houses of the state Legislature.

Immigrants Hit Hard by Governor’s Planned Medi-Cal Cuts, Changes

In five months, Californians have moved from talking about major reforms that would bring affordable health care to almost everyone in the state to talking about deep cuts in the Medi-Cal program that could add 800,000 to the 6.7 million already without health insurance. Immigrants will be among the most affected, health advocates predict.

California Lawmakers Take a Stab at Legislating Healthy Habits

An Assembly bill that would require companies bidding on California state contracts to provide wellness benefits for employees fits in with a national trend of state legislatures encouraging healthy habits.

Medicaid Contractions Inspire New State, National Opposition

Proposals to cut back Medicaid spending at the federal level and in California are galvanizing the opposition and inspiring dark predictions of physician flight and growing barriers to care for beneficiaries.