Latest California Healthline Stories
$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.
More Doctors Are Quitting Medicare. Is Obamacare Really To Blame?
A recent Wall Street Journal cover story noted that the number of physicians opting out of Medicare has nearly tripled since 2009. Some critics of the Affordable Care Act are blaming their favorite scapegoat, but there’s more to the story.
Scope-of-Practice Bills Proceed, Pause
A scope-of-practice bill for pharmacists was approved by an Assembly committee yesterday. Another bill supporting expansion for nurse practitioners failed but may get another chance next week.
‘Churning’: The Latest Watchword for States Working on Health Reform
States are working to reduce “churning” — which happens when income changes cause individuals to shift in and out of health insurance programs. In California, officials do not have a firm strategy to prevent such cycling, but a bill before the governor would address the problem.