Latest Morning Briefing Stories
Little Hoover Takes On Denti-Cal
The troubled dental program for Medi-Cal beneficiaries will be scrutinized and advised by the nonpartisan Little Hoover Commission.
Orange County Seniors Opting Out of State’s Duals Demonstration Project
Seniors are opting out in droves from California’s duals demonstration project for Medi-Cal and Medicare recipients in Orange County — and no one knows why.
Bill for CMS Waiver Extension Quietly Heads to Governor for Signature
The Legislature won’t be in session when California’s current CMS waiver to keep the duals demonstration project going expires so lawmakers set up an extension process in case state and federal negotiators hit a snag.
Feds OK State’s Drug Medi-Cal Waiver
Federal health officials gave the green light to California’s plan to revamp and better coordinate physical and mental health services delivered in Medi-Cal.
Advocates, CMS Warn Providers About Continuing Medicare ‘Balance Billing’
A CMS report says low-income seniors and those with disabilities often are billed for copayments, deductibles and other forms of shared payments, which is against the law.
Duals Allowed To Designate an Assistant
State health officials have established a process allowing dual eligibles to designate a friend or relative to make decisions about enrollment choices.
Medicaid Recipients Continue to Use ED for Dental Work, Even With Coverage
Medicaid beneficiaries with dental coverage still go to hospital emergency departments for dental work — in part because access to dental services depends on the availability of enough willing providers of care, authors of a new study say.
Changes Afoot for Orange County Duals
After several false starts, Orange County is set to launch its enrollment process for the duals demonstration project — but with a slightly modified timeline.
Future of Children’s Program Up in Air
Children’s health advocates are wary of the state’s plans to redesign the California Children’s Services program with a managed care model.
Children’s Services May Get Extra Year Before Move to Managed Care Starts
The California Senate Committee on Health approved a bill calling for a one-year delay in the plan to move Medi-Cal children with rare and complicated diseases into managed care plans.