Latest California Healthline Stories
Inland Empire Preps for Medi-Cal Growth
County hospitals in Riverside and San Bernardino that helped design and build “bridges to reform” are now making plans to guide more than 50,000 Inland Empire residents in their transition from Low Income Health Plans to Medi-Cal on Jan. 1.
No Health Care for Young Men? Debating a Generation’s Feelings on Obamacare
As the enrollment period for Obamacare’s health insurance exchanges nears, experts are debating whether young, healthy adults will purchase plans in the marketplaces. Research shows some young adults know very little about the health law, while observers wonder if they value insurance enough to buy it.
UPS Among the First To Dump Spousal Coverage. It Won’t Be the Last.
UPS’ eye-catching announcement to exclude 15,000 spouses of employees from its health insurance plan is being blamed, in part, on the Affordable Care Act. Here’s a closer look at the decision, whether it will be a tipping point for other firms and the zero-sum game behind dropping spousal coverage.
$9 Million Grant for Consumer Outreach
The state’s consumer outreach effort got a boost last week with the announcement of more than $9 million in grant money to help Californians navigate new health insurance options.
Exchange Accelerating Toward Deadline
From securing a lease for a Fresno call center to submitting its bridge proposal to HHS, it’s a busy time for Covered California as the new health benefit exchange closes in on an Oct. 1 opening date.
Obamacare Obstacle: Consumers’ Confusion When Picking a Plan
Recent surveys show that many U.S. residents are confused about health insurance terms, which could make things tricky when purchasing coverage through the insurance exchanges. Several efforts are underway to clarify the process and direct individuals to policies that fit their medical — and financial — needs.
ACOs Expand Amid Uncertain Futures
Accountable care organizations, one of the key tools for keeping costs down under health reform, have had mixed success so far in California. Some providers are saving money, but whether they’ll be able to sustain savings while meeting quality standards remains to be seen, experts say.
Why One Insurer Quit Covered California
Ventura County Health Care Plan applied for Covered California with every intention of participating in the new marketplace. Half a year later, administrators made the tough call to pull out for 2014. What can their experience teach us?
Questions, Concerns Greet Exchange Leaders at S.F. Town Hall Meeting
In one of the first in a series of outreach events, Covered California officials attracted a big crowd and fielded many questions last week in San Francisco.
How Will ACOs Share Liability Risk?
We asked experts and stakeholders how policymakers and accountable care organization leaders should shape the working environment for ACOs, which may face new liability issues under health care reform.