Bold Changes Are in Store for Medi-Cal in 2024, but Will Patients Benefit?
By Bernard J. Wolfson
December 22, 2023
KFF Health News Original
California’s Medicaid program is undergoing major changes that could improve health care for residents with low incomes. But they are happening at the same time as several other initiatives that could compete for staff attention and confuse enrollees.
Se avecinan cambios para Medi-Cal en 2024, pero ¿beneficiarán a los pacientes?
By Bernard J. Wolfson
December 22, 2023
KFF Health News Original
A partir del próximo año, más de 700,000 inmigrantes sin papeles serán elegibles para una cobertura completa de Medi-Cal.
In New Year, All Immigrants in California May Qualify for Medicaid Regardless of Legal Status
By Bernard J. Wolfson
December 18, 2023
KFF Health News Original
In the new year, California’s Medicaid program will open to otherwise eligible immigrants ages 26 to 49 without legal residency. They will join children, young adults, and adults over 50 enrolled in Medi-Cal through previous expansions to residents lacking authorization. The change is expected to add over 700,000 first-time enrollees.
A partir del 1 de enero, todos los inmigrantes en California pueden calificar para Medi-Cal, más allá de su estatus legal
By Bernard J. Wolfson
December 18, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Los nuevos inscritos se sumarán a más de 655,000 niños, adultos jóvenes de hasta 25 años y adultos de 50 años y más que ya se han registrado en Medi-Cal a través de expansiones anteriores para residentes sin papeles.
Nueva ley de California ofrece protección contra facturas por viajes en ambulancia
By Bernard J. Wolfson
November 7, 2023
KFF Health News Original
En California, casi tres cuartas partes de los traslados de emergencia en ambulancia generan facturas fuera de la red. La factura sorpresa promedio es de $1,209, la más alta del país
New California Law Offers Fresh Protection From Steep Ambulance Bills
By Bernard J. Wolfson
November 7, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, prohibits out-of-network ground ambulance operators from billing patients more than they would pay for in-network rides. It also caps how much the uninsured must pay.
Massive Kaiser Permanente Strike Looms as Talks Head to the Wire
By Bernard J. Wolfson
September 25, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Both sides, still at loggerheads over pay and staffing, agreed to keep bargaining after unions announced a possible strike Oct. 4-7. If no deal is reached, a walkout by about 75,000 KP workers in five states could disrupt care.
Cuando pienses en tu salud, no te olvides de tus ojos
By Bernard J. Wolfson
September 22, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Muchos planes de salud cubren los exámenes de visión de rutina, pero estos generalmente no incluyen el tipo de examen que se utiliza para recetar anteojos y lentes de contacto.
California Offers Lifeline to 17 Troubled Hospitals
By Bernard J. Wolfson
August 24, 2023
KFF Health News Original
California’s new lending program for distressed hospitals will provide Madera Community Hospital with interest-free loans of up to $52 million if it can agree on a viable reopening plan with Adventist Health. The state will offer an additional $240.5 million in interest-free loans to 16 other troubled hospitals.
Medi-Cal Covers Gender-Transition Treatment, but Getting It Isn’t Easy
By Bernard J. Wolfson
August 10, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Pasha Wrangell has faced delays getting gender-affirming care because of red tape and limited providers. Over more than two years, Wrangell has received only about half the total electrolysis sessions recommended. Wrangell’s insurer through Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, acknowledges the shortage of practitioners.
Journalists Cover the Gamut, From Rising Insulin Costs to Delays in Autism Care for Children
April 23, 2022
KFF Health News Original
KHN and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Many Families With Unaffordable Employer Coverage Now Eligible for Covered California Subsidies
By Bernard J. Wolfson
January 4, 2023
KFF Health News Original
If family coverage on an employer-sponsored plan is too expensive, a worker’s spouse and dependents may be eligible for Affordable Care Act subsidies under a new federal rule.
Medi-Cal’s Fragmented System Can Make Moving a Nightmare
By Bernard J. Wolfson
July 7, 2023
KFF Health News Original
When Medi-Cal beneficiary Lloyd Tennison moved last year from Contra Costa County to San Joaquin County, he was bumped off his managed care plan without notice before his new coverage took effect. His case highlights a chronic issue in California’s fragmented Medicaid program.
Listen: Generous Deals, and a Few Unwanted Surprises, at Covered California
January 28, 2022
KFF Health News Original
Southern California correspondent Bernard J. Wolfson answers questions about the health coverage deals available on California’s Affordable Care Act marketplace during Radio Bilingüe’s news program “Línea Abierta.”
Superar una adicción es un proceso. No hay una solución única.
By Bernard J. Wolfson
June 6, 2023
KFF Health News Original
La adicción es una enfermedad crónica que requiere vigilancia constante, no existe una solución única y las recaídas son parte del proceso de recuperación.
ER Doctors Vow to Pursue Case Against Envision Despite Bankruptcy
By Bernard J. Wolfson
May 12, 2023
KFF Health News Original
The lawyer for an emergency physicians group says its lawsuit against Envision Healthcare should be allowed to proceed even though the company has filed for Chapter 11 protection.
Beneficiarios de Medi-Cal: cómo verificar si eres elegible
By Bernard J. Wolfson
May 8, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Medi-Cal, la versión de Medicaid en California, puso en marcha una iniciativa de 14 meses para reexaminar la elegibilidad de sus casi 15.8 millones de miembros.
California’s Covid Misinformation Law Is Entangled in Lawsuits, Conflicting Rulings
By Bernard J. Wolfson
March 17, 2023
KFF Health News Original
A state law says giving false information to patients about covid-19 constitutes unprofessional conduct for which regulators can discipline doctors. Vaccine skeptics, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., join civil liberties groups and others in arguing that it violates free speech.
Harris’ California Health Care Battles Signal Fights Ahead for Hospitals if She Wins
By Bernard J. Wolfson Phil Galewitz
August 5, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Kamala Harris fought health care consolidation during her tenure as California’s attorney general, and she could escalate the fight nationally if she wins in November. Still, the pace of mergers has accelerated.
If You’re Worried About the Environment, Consider Being Composted When You Die
By Bernard J. Wolfson
October 11, 2022
KFF Health News Original
The idea of human composting — to help restore a forest or grow flowers — may be a little off-putting to some, but it has many advantages over traditional-but-toxic methods of burial and cremation.
