California

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Seeking A Peaceful Death Amid The Flames

KFF Health News Original

During Northern California’s recent wildfires, dozens of hospice patients who had hoped to spend their last days in the comfort of their homes had to be relocated to evacuation shelters, assisted living facilities and relatives’ homes instead.

Federal Judge Denies Bid To Force Feds To Resume ACA Subsidies

KFF Health News Original

U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria said the vast majority of states have already prepared for the termination of the payments and already devised responses that give consumers better coverage.

Hospitals Step In To Help House The Homeless. Will It Make A Difference?

KFF Health News Original

They say it will help reduce unnecessary ER visits and ensure better follow-up care. It’s also good P.R., and helps them meet their obligations to provide benefits to the community in exchange for significant tax breaks.

Tending To Patients As Her New Home Burns

KFF Health News Original

ICU nurse Julayne Smithson had only a few minutes to grab some things from her recently purchased home a block from the Santa Rosa hospital. Then she rushed back to help evacuate patients and has scarcely stopped working since.

Anthem Eases Up On Premium Hikes After State Scrutiny

KFF Health News Original

After regulators questioned Anthem’s forecast for medical costs, the company agreed to reduce rate hikes on its individual and small-business health plans next year, saving customers an estimated $114 million.

Eyes Fixed On California As Governor Ponders Inking Drug Price Transparency Bill

KFF Health News Original

“If it gets signed by this governor, it’s going to send shock waves throughout the country,” one legislator says. Pharma has spent $16.8 million lobbying against this bill and other drug laws in California.

Moms Of Children With Rare Genetic Illness Push For Wider Newborn Screening

KFF Health News Original

California is one of only a handful of states nationwide that screens babies for the gene mutation that causes a rare brain disease — a test that dramatically increases a sick child’s chances of survival.

UCLA Offers Depression Screening To Thousands Of Incoming Students

KFF Health News Original

Hoping to head off mental health crises, university officials say they will provide free online treatment to those who need it. The officials believe theirs is the largest effort of its kind in the country.

A Tale Of Two States: California, Texas And The Latest ACA Repeal Bid

KFF Health News Original

In the GOP’s attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act, California would lose a lot of federal funding. Texas would gain a lot in the short term, but experts worry Texas would not use the money well.

For Low-Income Drug Users, Medi-Cal Offers A Fresh Start

KFF Health News Original

Under a five-year agreement with the federal government, California is using Medicaid dollars to expand drug treatment, including more inpatient care and a broader range of medications.

Move To End DACA Leaves Some Young Immigrants Fearing For Their Health

KFF Health News Original

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program made it possible for young adults who came into the country illegally as children to get jobs with insurance and, in some states including California, Medicaid. Now that coverage is in peril.