Latest Morning Briefing Stories
State’s Largest Health Insurance Lobby Approves Tax Plan
The endorsement of the California Association of Health Plans is key to a deal that would allow the state to avoid major budget cuts by taxing managed care plans.
Deal On New Managed Care Tax Imminent
Several insurers have endorsed a proposal for a new $1.1 billion tax on managed care organizations, which would end months of negotiations.
State’s Medi-Cal Bill For Undocumented Kids Could Rise
Officials in Sacramento may have undercounted the number of kids who will be newly eligible for full Medi-Cal coverage starting in May — and that means their care could cost the state more than it has estimated.
Housing Project Takes on Seniors’ Health
An innovative new approach in Oakland combines low-income housing and a health program for seniors.
New Push To Sign Up Undocumented Kids For Medi-Cal
Enrollment of undocumented children in full Medi-Cal coverage is expected to begin May 15 and be retroactive to May 1. But parents are being urged to start the process now.
State Seeks to Calm Fears Over Change in Autism Care
A transition in health coverage begins today for about 9,000 children with autism, and state officials guaranteed the kids would have full continuity of care.
California Voters Will Have Their Say On Drug Prices
Heated battle expected over November ballot proposal to curb state’s prescription drug costs, as pharmaceutical industry opens its pocketbook to defeat the measure.
Debating The New Ballot Measure To Control Prescription Drug Prices
The California Drug Price Relief Act would mandate that the state pay no more for prescription drugs than the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. David Gorn sat down with Rand Martin, Sacramento lobbyist for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which is sponsoring the ballot measure, and Kathy Fairbanks, campaign consultant for the committee opposing it.
Federal Report: Children In Medi-Cal Getting Inadequate Dental Care
A federal report released yesterday says 29 percent of California kids in Medi-Cal did not receive any dental care in the past year and 78 percent did not receive all required dental services.
What Does The Future Hold For Medi-Cal?
What will Medi-Cal look like 50 years from now? We asked health officials, policy experts and consumer advocates to predict what might happen to California’s program as Medicaid embarks on its second half century.