Child Drowning Rates Drop As Communities Adopt Stricter Building Codes

KFF Health News Original

Children are far less likely to drown than they were in the 1980s, in California and across the nation. Experts say state and local laws that require more fencing and security features around family swimming pools have made a difference and should be expanded nationwide.

Empleadores buscan nuevas formas de abordar la salud mental de los trabajadores

KFF Health News Original

Mientras que un diagnóstico de cáncer puede generar solidaridad en el trabajo, admitir un trastorno psicótico puede provocar juicio, miedo y evasivas entre los compañeros.

Amid Teen Vaping ‘Epidemic,’ Juul Taps Addiction Expert As Medical Director

KFF Health News Original

Dr. Mark Rubinstein, known for his research into youth vaping, has left UCSF to become executive medical officer at Juul Labs, the nation’s leading producer of e-cigarettes. Juul says the hire will help them reduce teen vaping. Critics see Big Tobacco tactics.

Employers Urged To Find New Ways To Address Workers’ Mental Health

KFF Health News Original

Pressure is growing on employers to better address the mental health needs of workers. Some big companies have begun to offer options such as peer support groups, and California has adopted a new law that calls on employers to act.

As Temperatures Climb, A New Push To Keep Workers Safe

KFF Health News Original

Over the past decade, more than 350 workers nationwide have died from heat-related illness, and tens of thousands have had heat-related problems serious enough that they missed at least one day of work. Proposed federal legislation, modeled on California regulations, would create the first national standards for protecting workers from heat-related stress.

Hospitals Block ‘Surprise Billing’ Measure In California

KFF Health News Original

California lawmakers on Wednesday pulled legislation that would have protected some patients from surprise medical bills for emergency care, citing opposition from hospitals. They vowed to resurrect the bill next year.

With ACA’s Future In Peril, California Reins In Rising Health Insurance Premiums

KFF Health News Original

Premiums will grow by an average of 0.8% next year on the state health insurance exchange. Officials cite two new policies for the relatively low rate hike: a new state tax penalty on Californians who don’t have health insurance coupled with state-based tax credits to help enrollees afford their premiums, including middle-income people who make too much money to qualify for federal financial aid. 

Medi-Cal Enrollment Among Immigrant Kids Stalls, Then Falls. Is Fear To Blame?

KFF Health News Original

Enrollment among undocumented immigrant children in California’s Medicaid program started strong before stagnating and then falling. Although this decline is similar to an enrollment decline among all children in Medicaid nationwide, experts believe there are different reasons behind it.

State Broadens Investigation Of Doctors For Issuing Questionable Vaccination Exemptions

KFF Health News Original

The Medical Board of California is investigating at least four doctors for issuing questionable vaccine exemptions for numerous children. The investigations come amid the nation’s worst measles outbreak in more than a quarter-century.

Want Ammo? Be Prepared For A Background Check

KFF Health News Original

A new law took effect Monday that requires anyone buying ammunition in California to undergo a background check at the time of each purchase. Public health leaders hope this, and other provisions of Proposition 63, will help reduce the rate of gun violence.

Un millón de californianos no tienen agua potable. ¿En dónde viven?

KFF Health News Original

A casi un millón de personas en el estado se les recomienda no beber agua del grifo porque las autoridades locales no cumplen con los estándares para mantenerla limpia.

A Million Californians Don’t Have Clean Drinking Water. Where Do They Live?

KFF Health News Original

More than 10% of residents in 12 California counties don’t have safe drinking water, according to a California Healthline analysis of state water data. State lawmakers have pledged $130 million a year to help bring clean drinking water to Californians who need it.

As The Economy Surges, A Dramatic Drop In Workers On Disability

KFF Health News Original

Experts credit the lowest U.S. unemployment rate in 50 years, along with a more flexible work culture and tighter oversight of who qualifies for federal disability benefits. 

New Budget Boosts Health Coverage For Low-Income Californians

KFF Health News Original

California lawmakers spent big on Medi-Cal in the 2019-20 state budget, voting to cover more older residents and people with disabilities, restore benefits cut during the recession and open the program to eligible young adults who are in the country illegally. 

Mantén a tu perro lejos de la marihuana, puede ser peligrosa para las mascotas

KFF Health News Original

A medida que la hierba se ha vuelto más fácil de conseguir para la gente, también se ha convertido en un peligro para los perros, que la pueden consumir involuntariamente en parques.

Vaccine Drama On Display In California’s Capitol

KFF Health News Original

Hundreds of protesters descended on the state Capitol on Thursday, warning against government tyranny and corporate greed. Their target: not taxes, not high-tech surveillance, but a bill that would determine which kids must get their routine shots.