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Latest Morning Briefing Stories

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.

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.

California Law Aims to Strengthen Access to Mental Health Services

KFF Health News Original

The law doesn’t take effect until July, but its passage should force insurers to expand their rosters of therapists. Here’s how you can challenge your health plan’s mental health services until then.

Wildfire Smoke Is Here to Stay. Here’s How to Clean the Air Inside Your Home.

KFF Health News Original

There are many ways to cleanse indoor air of dangerous smoke particles, which are particularly harmful to people with chronic respiratory and cardiac conditions. Some are expensive, but cheap alternatives exist.

So You’re Vaccinated Against Covid. Now What?

KFF Health News Original

The vaccination rollout has been unsteady, but the vaccines seem very effective, raising hopes that the pandemic will subside by later this year if enough Americans get their shots. Meanwhile, remain cautious.

New California Law Makes It Easier to Get Care for Mental Health and Substance Abuse

KFF Health News Original

The measure, which took effect Jan. 1, removes loopholes that made it easy for insurers to use arcane company guidelines to avoid paying for care. Patients now have an easier way to challenge those denials.

COVID Vaccines Appear Safe and Effective, but Key Questions Remain

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.