Latest California Healthline Stories
Governor’s Support for Reform Not Just Political
Gov. Schwarzenegger’s recent pledge to support federal health reform could be seen as a change in the political winds, but it appears to have been grounded in policy preferences and practical implementation concerns.
Assessing Health Care Impacts of Reforms for Immigrants
Health policy experts, immigrants and immigrant rights organizations are assessing the health care impacts for immigrants in one sweeping reform already signed into law and the potential impacts of another one on the horizon — immigration reform.
California Gears Up for Reform Provisions Taking Effect This Year
More than a month after President Obama signed health reform into law, California lawmakers, health providers, insurers and patients are gearing up for the slew of provisions set to take effect this year.
Health Care Reform Could Be Taxing for Hospitals
Health reform doesn’t formally alter the tax code for health care providers, but the law could have an effect on tax exemption for not-for-profit hospitals as more people gain insurance coverage and hospitals’ charity care spending decreases.
Prevention, Wellness Provisions of Health Care Reform Law Could Have Big Long-Term Impact
John Seffrin of the American Cancer Society, Steve Wojcik of the National Business Group on Health and Daniel Zingale of the California Endowment spoke with California Healthline about a shift in emphasis in the health reform law.
Federal Officials Seek Input From States on Health Reform
Officials from CMS and HHS delivered a consistent health reform message last week at the National Conference of State Legislatures Spring Forum in Washington, D.C.: “We’re all in this together and the more we can help each other, the better.”
Seeking Answers on Medicaid Expansion
The success of the health reform implementation hinges on a broad Medicaid expansion, but state officials have significant questions as they grapple with new requirements. Meanwhile, the reform law likely prevents the governor’s proposed budget cuts to state health insurance programs.
Fight Over Premium Hikes Just Beginning
Outrage over Anthem’s proposed double-digit premium hikes played a crucial role in the health reform debate, but states’ own efforts to curb premiums are sparking stand-offs across the nation. Critics say the showdowns foreshadow greater disputes over reform’s implementation.
How Will Reform Affect County Programs for the Indigent?
We asked experts to predict how national reform might affect California’s struggling county-run programs providing medical care for indigent adults. The state has several options over the next three-and-a-half years before expanded Medi-Cal arrives.
Stakeholders Push To Influence Reform Direction
Although the national battle for a health care overhaul has ended, a series of lower-profile spats and fixes has begun, as stakeholders attempt to close — or exploit — newly opened loopholes.