Bernard J. Wolfson

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bwolfson@kff.org
@bjwolfson

Fallas informáticas y errores humanos en la cobertura de seguros siguen siendo un dolor de cabeza para los californianos

KFF Health News Original

Es cierto que pequeños cambios en los ingresos pueden hacer que la elegibilidad cambie, pero si se ingresa información incorrecta en un sistema informático compartido por Covered California y Medi-Cal, o se elimina información precisa, eso les puede causar grandes dolores de cabeza a los afiliados.

Computer Glitches and Human Error Still Causing Insurance Headaches for Californians

KFF Health News Original

Covered California and Medi-Cal share a computer system for eligibility and enrollment. Nearly a decade since the Affordable Care Act expanded coverage options in the state, enrollees can be diverted to the wrong program — or dropped altogether — if erroneous information gets into the system.

New Covered California Leader Urges Renewal of Enhanced Federal Aid for Health Premiums

KFF Health News Original

Jessica Altman took over in March as executive director of California’s health insurance marketplace, which serves 1.8 million people. She warns that if Congress does not renew the tax credit enhancements that have made health plans more affordable, consumers will face significantly higher premiums, which could cause many to forgo coverage.

Battle Lines Are Drawn Over California Deal With Kaiser Permanente

KFF Health News Original

A controversial proposal to grant HMO giant Kaiser Permanente a no-bid statewide Medicaid contract is headed for its first legislative hearing amid vocal opposition from a coalition of counties, competing health plans, community clinics, and a national health care labor union.

How a Former Catholic Priest Is Navigating a California Medicaid Plan Through Big Changes 

KFF Health News Original

Michael Hunn left the clergy and became a hospital and health system executive. He’s been named CEO of CalOptima, Orange County’s Medi-Cal health insurance plan for low-income residents, and his spiritual background is helping him guide the publicly run plan into the future.

Record Fines Might Mean California Is Finally Serious About Improving Medi-Cal

KFF Health News Original

California regulators issued record fines against L.A. Care, the state’s largest Medi-Cal managed-care plan, for providing inadequate care to its enrollees. But whether the penalties are a sign that the state will make a more forceful effort to improve Medi-Cal’s overall quality of care remains to be seen.

J&J-Vaxxed, mRNA-Boosted, and Pondering a Third Shot

KFF Health News Original

Many of the nearly 17 million U.S. members of J&J Nation, myself included, are wondering whether to set aside the current official guidance and get a second booster. Some experts say: Chill out.

Layers of Subcontracted Services Confuse and Frustrate Medi-Cal Patients

KFF Health News Original

Many of the 14 million patients in Medi-Cal are in managed care health plans that outsource their care to subcontractors or sub-subcontractors. For patients with difficult health care needs, it can be hard to know where to turn.

Covered California’s Insurance Deals Range From ‘No-Brainer’ to Sticker Shock

KFF Health News Original

Families of four with incomes of less than about $40,000 a year can pay no premiums and have low deductibles. For some others, health insurance in 2022 will cost more than in 2021 — in some cases, significantly more.