Latest California Healthline Stories
California’s Mental Health System May Be Headed for Crisis
Like many of the patients it serves, California’s county-based mental health system seems to operate on a cycle of coping and crisis. Indications are we’re headed into crisis mode. Three counties are threatening to drop out of the Medi-Cal mental health program, and several other counties are experiencing other mental health meltdowns.
Stakeholders Work To Implement Mental Health Services Act
Mental health advocates and county officials are drafting plans for programs to be funded by Proposition 63, which state voters approved in November 2004. Proposals vary statewide, but advocates are optimistic about the effect the measure will have on the state’s mental health care system.
Outcome of Health-Related Ballot Measures Has Implications for Future Reform Efforts
Some health policy players say that the outcome of the five health-related ballot measures on the Nov. 2 statewide ballot could inform future efforts to reform health care but differ as to what comes next. Looking at the results, some see increased support for expanding health coverage, while others see voter sensitivity to the state budget deficit and economy.