Ana B. Ibarra

Ana B. Ibarra was a reporter for KFF Health News until February 2020.

@ab_ibarra

How And When Immigrants’ Use Of Government Benefits Might Affect Their Legal Status

KFF Health News Original

Confusion about a new federal rule to restrict legal immigration based on the use of public benefits may dampen sign-ups for health care, housing and food aid even among immigrants not directly targeted by the rule. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions that will help clear up some of the misunderstanding.

Despite Failed Promises, Stem Cell Advocates Again Want Taxpayers To Pony Up Billions

KFF Health News Original

California’s stem cell agency, created by a $3 billion bond measure 15 years ago, is almost out of money. Its supporters plan to ask voters for even more funding next year, even though no agency-funded treatments have been approved for widespread use.

California Bill Would Fight Deals That Delay Generic Drugs

KFF Health News Original

As California Attorney General Xavier Becerra cracks down on pharmaceutical companies he said paid competitors to delay generic versions of their drugs, he’s also pushing for legislation that would give his department tools to catch more of them. It’s the first of its kind in the nation.

Hospitals Block ‘Surprise Billing’ Measure In California

KFF Health News Original

California lawmakers on Wednesday pulled legislation that would have protected some patients from surprise medical bills for emergency care, citing opposition from hospitals. They vowed to resurrect the bill next year.

With ACA’s Future In Peril, California Reins In Rising Health Insurance Premiums

KFF Health News Original

Premiums will grow by an average of 0.8% next year on the state health insurance exchange. Officials cite two new policies for the relatively low rate hike: a new state tax penalty on Californians who don’t have health insurance coupled with state-based tax credits to help enrollees afford their premiums, including middle-income people who make too much money to qualify for federal financial aid. 

Medi-Cal Enrollment Among Immigrant Kids Stalls, Then Falls. Is Fear To Blame?

KFF Health News Original

Enrollment among undocumented immigrant children in California’s Medicaid program started strong before stagnating and then falling. Although this decline is similar to an enrollment decline among all children in Medicaid nationwide, experts believe there are different reasons behind it.

Want Ammo? Be Prepared For A Background Check

KFF Health News Original

A new law took effect Monday that requires anyone buying ammunition in California to undergo a background check at the time of each purchase. Public health leaders hope this, and other provisions of Proposition 63, will help reduce the rate of gun violence.

New Budget Boosts Health Coverage For Low-Income Californians

KFF Health News Original

California lawmakers spent big on Medi-Cal in the 2019-20 state budget, voting to cover more older residents and people with disabilities, restore benefits cut during the recession and open the program to eligible young adults who are in the country illegally. 

California Gov. Newsom Proposes Penalty To Fund Health Insurance Subsidies

KFF Health News Original

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to help an estimated 850,000 Californians pay their health insurance premiums and would fund his plan with a tax penalty on people who don’t have coverage. If he succeeds, California would be the first state to subsidize middle-income people who make too much to qualify for federal financial aid.

Lawmakers Push To Stop Surprise ER Billing

KFF Health News Original

Millions of Californians are vulnerable to hefty surprise medical bills from their trips to the emergency room. Now, state lawmakers are considering a measure to cap how much out-of-network hospitals can charge privately insured patients for emergency care, which could serve as a model for other states.

State Bans Pesticide Linked To Developmental Problems

KFF Health News Original

California officials announced a ban on chlorpyrifos, a widely used pesticide that has been linked to lower IQs, lower birth weights and other developmental issues in children, even as the federal government fights to protect it.

California prohíbe pesticida vinculado a problemas de desarrollo

KFF Health News Original

Varios estudios han relacionado la exposición prenatal al clorpirifos con bajo peso al nacer, reducción del coeficiente intelectual, trastorno por déficit de atención y síntomas del autismo en niños.

Estados debaten prohibir popular pesticida que afectaría el desarrollo infantil

KFF Health News Original

Varios estudios han relacionado la exposición prenatal al clorpirifos con disminución de peso al nacer, bajo coeficiente intelectual, déficit de atención y otros problemas de desarrollo en niños.

States Weigh Banning A Widely Used Pesticide Even Though EPA Won’t

KFF Health News Original

The pesticide chlorpyrifos has been linked to developmental problems in children. Some state and federal lawmakers want the chemical banned, but federal regulators are fighting to keep it on the market.

Finding Homeless Patients A Place To Heal

KFF Health News Original

California hospitals must comply with a new state law that requires them to try to find a safe place for homeless patients upon discharge. But hospitals say doing so isn’t as easy as calling a shelter and securing a cot.

Detention Centers In California Lack Oversight And Proper Care, Reports Find

KFF Health News Original

Health and safety problems at immigration detention facilities throughout California pose a serious risk to detainees, according to two reports released Tuesday. State Attorney General Xavier Becerra and California State Auditor Elaine Howle concluded that federal and local governments are failing to adequately oversee the facilities, allowing the problems to persist.

Lonely? Anxious? Depressed? Maybe Your Dentist Can Help

KFF Health News Original

An Oakland dental clinic has started screening its patients for depression, and referring them to a mental health counselor down the hall for immediate care if necessary. The program at Asian Health Services could be replicated elsewhere, and make help for mental health problems more accessible to hard-to-reach populations.