Latest Morning Briefing Stories
For Conservatives, A New Day In Health Care
We talk with a leading expert about Republican ideas for reform. Lanhee Chen of the Hoover Institution says it’s a mistake to think conservatives have too few ideas — rather they have too many.
California’s Community Clinics, Big ACA Beneficiaries, Worry About Their Future
A flow of Medi-Cal expansion dollars — and patients — has fueled significant growth, making clinics in California one of the linchpins of primary care under Obamacare.
California Withdraws Bid To Allow Undocumented To Buy Unsubsidized Plans
State lawmaker says he was worried the Trump Administration would use information on those who purchased plans to try and deport them.
Crucial California HIV Program In Disarray After Contract Switch
Patients who depend on the state-run AIDS Drug Assistance Program are having trouble getting medical appointments and life-saving medications.
Foul-Up Means Thousands On State Exchange Surprised By Higher Premiums
Covered California sent the wrong subsidy information to insurers, who charged most consumers less than they really owed. Now they have to pay up.
Los Angeles Doctor Sues Molina Healthcare Over Medi-Cal Reimbursements
A high-profile whistleblower attorney representing the physician is seeking class action status.
Merger May Revitalize California’s Flagging Effort To Pool Medical Records
An Obama administration veteran will take the helm of Cal INDEX as it combines with the Inland Empire Health Information Exchange, creating a database covering nearly 17 million patients.
Meals On Wheels Wants To Be The ‘Eyes and Ears’ For Hospitals, Doctors
By checking up on the health and safety of meal recipients, volunteers for the nonprofit network can provide valuable information to medical providers and help ensure better care.
New Rules to Limit ‘Death Fees’ For California Medicaid Enrollees
Medi-Cal’s controversial program to go after your assets when you die will be significantly curtailed, but some enrollees could be hit by new claims.
Alzheimer a los 40: científicos estudian la “mutación de Jalisco”
Investigadores están estudiando a familias de los Estados Unidos y México, portadores de una mutación genética que los hace desarrollar Alzheimer a edad temprana, con la esperanza de encontrar tratamientos para frenar este mal.
Early Alzheimer’s Gene Spells Tragedy For Patients, Opportunity For Science
Researchers are studying families from the U.S. and Mexico for clues to how Alzheimer’s develops in young patients, with the hope of finding treatments and even cures for the more common form of the disease.
Fear Of Deportation, Hate Crimes Reportedly Threaten Mental Health Of Young Californians
Teachers and health professionals report post-election depression, anxiety and stress in young immigrants and minorities.
California Hopes $3 Billion Experiment Will Improve Health Of Neediest
Pilot projects are being launched in 18 counties to reduce ER visits among Medi-Cal’s most costly patients.
Amid Sign-Up Surge, Covered California Extends Enrollment Deadline
Despite health law uncertainty, more than 25,000 new consumers chose new plans in just two days this week.
California Lawmakers Aim To Pay Dentists More To Treat Poor Patients
Legislation would raise payments for Denti-Cal providers, using revenue from the state tobacco tax recently passed by California voters.
Leading the Way? Northern California Cities To Embark On Soda Tax Spending
Health advocates are expecting millions in new tax money for health education programs aimed at preventing obesity, diabetes and tooth decay. Other cities around the country are mulling similar measures.
Free Clinics Aim To Fill VA’s Shortfalls In Mental Health
A billionaire hedge fund manager, whose son served in Afghanistan, has opened a chain of clinics to tend to the psychological needs of veterans
In House Majority Leader’s Calif. District, Many Depend On Health Law He Wants To Scrap
Some of Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s constituents fear his vow to repeal Obamacare now and replace it later could rob them of coverage.
No Immediate Changes To Your Obamacare Coverage
Despite President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to repeal the Affordable Care Act, state officials and advocates say Californians’ health plan is safe for now.
Back To The Future: Insurance Pools For High-Risk Patients Could Be Revived
Trump and leading Republicans like the idea. Some policymakers and experts say it wasn’t viable in the first place.