Think Tank

Latest California Healthline Stories

What Will New Timely Access Rules Mean for California?

Department of Managed Health Care Director Cindy Ehnes joins health care advocates and representatives of the insurance industry and physician lobby in debating the implications of rules that will cap wait times for medical services for HMO members.

How Should California Pay for Retiree Health Benefits?

In addition to questions about funding Medi-Cal, Healthy Families and other programs, California is faced with the question of how to cover the cost of health care benefits for retired public workers.  Three stakeholders share their thoughts on how to tackle this challenge.

Should State Add New Hospital Fee To Increase Medi-Cal Payments?

California legislators are weighing a proposal that would impose a fee on hospitals to help draw down federal matching funds that could help the state boost Medi-Cal reimbursements.  The author of the bill and an official with the California Hospital Association explain why they support it.

What Will Post-Budget Health Care Look Like in California?

Health care programs have seen major cuts in state funding in recent months, prompting some stakeholders to worry that the reductions are undermining California’s health care safety net.  Representatives of three organizations share their thoughts on the matter.

What Could National Health Care Reform Mean for California?

Mitchell Katz of the San Francisco Department of Public Health and Erica Murray of the California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems weigh in on the implications of health care reform efforts in Washington, D.C.

What’s the Best Strategy for Funding Health Care Efforts in California?

Much has been made of the May 19 special election in California, and some political analysts have raised questions about what the election results say about voters’ willingness to dedicate specific revenue streams to health care programs.  Two state lawmakers shared their thoughts on the issue.

Should Cash-Strapped California Support New Med Schools?

California Medical Association President Dev GnanaDev, Phyllis Guze of UC-Riverside and John Stobo of the University of California share their thoughts on the implications of cutting state funding for UC professional schools, including medical schools.

Post-Election Prognosis for California Health Care

Sens. Sam Aanestad and Denise Ducheny join Paul McIntosh of the California State Association of Counties and Jean Ross of the California Budget Project in sharing their thoughts on what the outcome of the May 19 special election means for health care in California.