California Watch Category Banner

California Watch

News stories in this section spotlight activities in California, including actions by the state Assembly and state Senate; proposed legislation; regulators like the Department of Managed Health Care and Department of Insurance; and the state ACA exchange, Covered California.

New Leaders In Legislature Plan To Include Health Care Issues on Agenda

Two new leaders of the Legislature discussing the direction of state programs and finances yesterday hit on health care topics a number of times.

Read More

Southern Californians Endure Longer Waits at Emergency Rooms Than Most Americans

Californians, especially those in Los Angeles County, endure longer waits in hospital emergency rooms than most Americans.

Read More

Health Insurers Spending Millions to Beat Pro-Consumer Ballot Measures

The latest campaign spending figures on California's two big healthcare ballot initiatives are just in, courtesy of the watchdog group MapLight, and they're mind-boggling.

Read More

Insurance Commissioner Race Pits Two Starkly Different Candidates

Few jobs at the state Capitol have more effect on citizen pocketbook issues than California's elected insurance commissioner.

Read More

HHS is Hiding Health Insurance Rate Hikes, Former Official Charges

The Department of Health and Human Services is improperly hiding health insurers' requested rate increases from the public -- in violation of the Affordable Care Act, according to a new lawsuit from a former administration health official.

Read More

Anthem’s New Partnership With Seven Hospitals Builds on an Old Idea in California

A new payer-provider partnership in Southern California called Vivity has been billed as a first-of-its-kind in the nation.

Read More

Obamacare Signups Return With More Plans But Concerns About Software, Cost, Care Options

The ObamaCare exchanges that opened for business last fall to disastrous consequence are expected to be largely improved with better technology and more insurance plans when they re-open next month, but critics are still raising concerns about consumer costs and choices.

Read More

Understanding Proposition 45 Issues

Proposition 45 offers a simple choice for voters: Do they want the state insurance commissioner to regulate health care rates for small businesses and individual health plans?

Read More

Covered California Users Grateful but Keenly Aware of Shortcomings

Alain Datcher knows there's a sad truth about the newly minted Medi-Cal card he carries in his wallet. It opens a few doors, but only takes him so far.

Read More

New California Law Increases Oversight of Medi-Cal Provider Networks

Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation to boost oversight of so-called "narrow networks" and other business practices that affect timely access to care.

Read More
arrowcaret-downclosefacebook-squarehamburgerinstagram-squarelinkedin-squarepauseplaytwitter-squareyoutube-square