Direct Primary Care, With a Touch of Robin Hood
By Bernard J. Wolfson
Photos by Heidi de Marco
October 26, 2021
KFF Health News Original
Some doctors, sick of mainstream health care’s red tape, are finding refuge in practices that combine concierge medicine with charity care.
Kaiser Permanente, Big Player in State Vaccine Effort, Has Had Trouble Vaccinating Own Members
By Bernard J. Wolfson
March 4, 2021
KFF Health News Original
Older patients in several states where the California-based managed care giant operates complain they’ve had difficulty scheduling appointments and spotty communication from the health system. Some report it’s getting better, though.
Head-Scratching Over Newsom’s Choice of Blue Shield to Lead Vaccination Push
By Bernard J. Wolfson
February 1, 2021
KFF Health News Original
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s surprising choice of Blue Shield to lead the state’s covid vaccination effort raised questions about the role politics played in the decision — and whether the insurer is up to the task.
Vaccine Ramp-Up Squeezes Covid Testing and Tracing
By Bernard J. Wolfson
January 25, 2021
KFF Health News Original
The ability of California health officials to multitask in a pandemic will be severely tested as they scramble to find staff for vaccination sites while maintaining testing and contact tracing.
California’s Reboot of Troubled Medi-Cal Puts Pressure on Health Plans
By Bernard J. Wolfson
Photos by Heidi de Marco
September 21, 2021
KFF Health News Original
The nine commercial insurers in Medi-Cal must reapply by submitting bids for new contracts. The state hopes the process will improve care for low-income residents and tighten accountability, something critics say has been missing.
COVID Vaccines Appear Safe and Effective, but Key Questions Remain
By Bernard J. Wolfson
December 23, 2020
KFF Health News Original
The federal government expects vaccinations to be available to everyone who wants them by summer — though glitches are inevitable. If enough of us get vaccinated, we could wave goodbye to the pandemic in 2021.
Las vacunas de COVID parecen ser seguras y efectivas, pero todavía hay preguntas
By Bernard J. Wolfson
December 23, 2020
KFF Health News Original
Una encuesta publicada en diciembre mostró que el 45% de los encuestados están adoptando un enfoque de “esperar y ver qué pasa” con la vacunación.
Medicare Open Enrollment Is Complicated. Here’s How to Get Good Advice.
By Bernard J. Wolfson
November 24, 2020
KFF Health News Original
It’s a complex program with many options — as well as confusing rules and nuances. Here’s how to get reliable guidance.
Consejos para inscribirse bien en Medicare durante la complicada inscripción abierta
By Bernard J. Wolfson
November 24, 2020
KFF Health News Original
Medicare se reduce fundamentalmente a dos alternativas: la tarifa por servicio del Medicare Tradicional o el enfoque de atención administrada de Medicare Advantage.
It’s Open Enrollment. Here’s What You Need to Know
By Bernard J. Wolfson
November 4, 2020
KFF Health News Original
For Californians who are buying their own insurance, enrollment in 2021 health plans runs through Jan. 31.
¿Estás internado? Todavía puedes votar en gran parte del país
By Bernard J. Wolfson
November 2, 2020
KFF Health News Original
Al menos 38 estados permiten la votación de emergencia por razones médicas, según la Conferencia Nacional de Legislaturas Estatales. Pero las prácticas varían.
Hospitalized? You Can Still Vote in Most Parts of the Country
By Bernard J. Wolfson
November 2, 2020
KFF Health News Original
Hospital staff in states such as California and New York can help patients obtain ballots and vote. In other states, you need a relative to assist you.
Telemedicine or In-Person Visit? Pros and Cons
By Bernard J. Wolfson
October 27, 2020
KFF Health News Original
The volume of virtual medical appointments has exploded during the pandemic as patients and doctors have sought to avoid infection through in-person visits.
As Fires and Floods Wreak Havoc on Health, New Climate Center Seeks Solutions
By Bernard J. Wolfson
September 24, 2020
KFF Health News Original
The climate change center at UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health plans to study and help implement policies for slowing climate change and adapting to it.
Some County Jail Inmates See Vaccination as Ticket to a Better Life — In the State Pen
By Bernard J. Wolfson
Photos by Heidi de Marco
April 29, 2021
KFF Health News Original
In the Los Angeles County Jail system, many inmates hope being vaccinated will get them transferred more quickly to state prison. Some just want to protect themselves against covid, while others are distrustful and refuse vaccination.
Exercise and Diet Are More Important Than Ever With Virus at Large
By Bernard J. Wolfson
September 9, 2020
KFF Health News Original
“The Quarantine 15” — weight gain due to inactivity during the pandemic — is a real phenomenon. Here are some ways to fight it.
Ejercicio y dieta son más importantes que nunca en tiempos de coronavirus
By Bernard J. Wolfson
September 9, 2020
KFF Health News Original
En tiempos de COVID, el desafío es doble: proteger nuestra salud, incluyendo nuestro sistema inmunológico, mientras se lucha contra las tentaciones poco saludables.
LA County Authorities Cautious Despite Declining COVID Numbers
By Bernard J. Wolfson
September 3, 2020
KFF Health News Original
The county, a hotbed of coronavirus infection in California, has seen a steady reduction in positive test results, new cases, hospitalizations and deaths over the past few weeks. But officials are concerned about public behavior over the Labor Day holiday weekend and wary of relaxing strictures too soon.
Wildfires Provide Another Reason to Mask Up
By Bernard J. Wolfson
August 25, 2020
KFF Health News Original
As the long U.S. fire season gets underway, it’s even more important for Western residents to have a good face mask. Unfortunately, most of the masks we’re wearing for COVID-19 aren’t great for smoke.
Los incendios forestales son otra razón para usar máscaras
By Bernard J. Wolfson
August 25, 2020
KFF Health News Original
El humo de más de 300 incendios forestales en California está asfixiando a mucha gente en el centro y norte del estado y expandiendo sustancias tóxicas en el aire.
