Latest California Healthline Stories
New Medicare Drug Benefit Excludes Some Medicines
The new Medicare drug benefit does not provide coverage for all classes of prescription drugs, and some patient advocates are particularly concerned about the exclusion of benzodiazepines.
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.
Additional Subsidies Available to Some Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries
Low-income Medicare beneficiaries will be eligible for some additional financial assistance under the new drug benefit, but some consumer advocates have raised questions about outreach efforts.
California, Federal Officials Address Medi-Cal Funding Strategies
California and 14 other states are in talks with federal officials to address some accounting practices related to Medicaid. California officials say the practices are legitimate but have agreed to some changes requested by CMS officials.
Legislators Pursue Universal Health Care Proposals
Despite the repeal of a state law that would have required some employers to provide health insurance to employees, some California legislators are pursuing legislation that would create a universal health care system in the state. The details of the proposals vary but reflect legislators’ sustained interest in expanding health coverage.
Population Increases, More Elderly Residents Challenge California Nursing Homes
A growing population and increases in the number of elderly residents pose unique challenges for California nursing homes. Some advocates have praised the governor’s enactment of legislation to alter the Medi-Cal reimbursement system for nursing homes, but others say that other changes are needed.
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.
Clinical Information Technology Systems Play Larger Role in Chronic Disease Care
Efforts are under way in California and nationwide to use clinical information technology to improve care for patients with chronic diseases. But whether IT can help the fragmented health care system save money or improve care remains unclear.
Medi-Cal Redesign Effort Being Informed by Other States’ Experiences
As the Schwarzenegger administration considers plans to redesign Medi-Cal, they are looking to other states that have taken on similar projects with their own Medicaid programs for examples of what such reforms can entail.
Possible Effects of Medi-Cal Redesign, California Performance Review Overshadow Budget Issues
The fiscal year 2004-2005 state budget did not include some funding reductions for health care programs Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) initially proposed, but health care leaders are speculating about possible effects of a state proposal to redesign Medi-Cal and some health-related proposals included in a plan to reorganize the state government.