Survey Confirms Significant Drop In California’s Uninsured
The California Health Interview Survey shows significant gains in insurance coverage but also points to disparities among ethnic groups.
California’s Plan To Absorb Medically Fragile Children Into Managed Care Proves Controversial
State officials say Medi-Cal managed care plans will better coordinate treatment for children needing highly specialized care. Parents and pediatric medical centers say it’s a bad idea.
California Judge Dismisses Aid-In-Dying Lawsuit
A California woman sued to allow her doctor to prescribe life-ending medication without fear of prosecution; a decision is expected Monday.
California, Oregon To Allow Hormonal Contraceptives Without A Doctor’s Prescription
The two states are the first in the country to allow pharmacists to directly prescribe “the pill” and similar contraceptives.
Auditor Slams California’s Oversight Of Medi-Cal Plans Used By 9 Million
Report finds state health officials had no idea whether managed care plans have sufficient doctors, while an overwhelmed ombudsman’s office failed to answer 12,500 calls a month on average.
Asthma Sending More Kids To California ERs
California children are increasingly seeking care for asthma in emergency rooms – despite medical advances and millions of dollars spent to control symptoms statewide.
Americans Are Drinking More Heavily, Especially Women
The first study to track drinking patterns at the county level finds that women are driving big increases in heavy drinking.
So You Have Dense Breasts. Now What?
Dense breasts make mammograms harder to read. As more states pass laws requiring that women be told of the risks, debate is growing about whether such warnings are helpful — or even harmful.
California Ranks Last In Spending On Diabetes Prevention, Audit Finds
With one in 12 residents estimated to suffer from diabetes, California spends less on prevention per person than any other state, according to a state audit.
With Half of California’s Kids On Medicaid, Advocates Worry About Service
More children than ever before have enrolled in Medi-Cal, half of children in California, causing concern about timely access to treatment.
