Latest California Healthline Stories
Let the Health Care Changes Begin
The start of the year marks the launch of a number of health care bills into law — as well as the beginning of two Medi-Cal provider rate cuts.
Strong Numbers for Open Enrollment
In less than a month of Covered California’s second open enrollment period, almost 300,000 people applied for health insurance coverage, including about 160,000 who applied for Medi-Cal.
Head of Health Care Services Looks Back on Tumultuous, Fruitful Years
Toby Douglas, director of California’s Department of Health Care Services, plans to retire as head of the agency in January. California Healthline sat down with Douglas recently to ask about the changes he has seen, and overseen, in his time in office.
Primary Care Medi-Cal Providers About To Be Hit by Double Rate-Cut Whammy
The federal rate increase for Medi-Cal primary care providers expires Jan. 1, 2015 — the same day a 10% state reduction in rates kicks in.
Two UC Medical Centers Dropping Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract
A Medi-Cal managed care contract between Health Net and two UC hospitals — UC-Davis and UC-San Diego — will not be renewed. That affects more than 4,000 Medi-Cal patients, starting Jan. 1.
What’s Behind High Opt-Out Rate Among Dual Eligibles in L.A. County?
About one-third of the Californians who are eligible for the duals demonstration project have chosen to opt out of participation. In Los Angeles County, that rate is much higher and topped 50% at one point. Why?
Rural Frail, Elderly Beneficiaries Being Shifted to Medicaid Managed Care Plans
A year after launching its rural expansion of Medi-Cal managed care, the state now wants to shift about 24,000 of its most frail and elderly rural beneficiaries into managed care plans.
New Legislative Strategies May Emerge To Raise Medi-Cal Reimbursement Rates
Ever since the Legislature agreed to reduce Medi-Cal provider payments by 10% in 2011, lawmakers have struggled to reverse the cuts. This year, there could be a more targeted approach.
How Obama Immigration Order Might Affect Medi-Cal Enrollment
President Obama’s executive order on immigration may lead to a modest spike in Medi-Cal enrollment in California, according to some advocates.
Autism Treatment Concerns Raised
Two months after announcing the state would cover autism therapy for Medi-Cal beneficiaries, 105 children have received the service and the backlog for diagnostic evaluation may be as long as a year.