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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.

San Francisco Leaders Announce New Efforts to Curb Opioid Overdose Epidemic

As the opioid overdose epidemic continues to spread across the state, a new bipartisan legislative committee is coming together to look for a solution.

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Health Plan Shake-Up Could Disrupt Coverage for Low-Income Californians

Almost 2 million of California’s poorest and most medically fragile residents may have to switch health insurers as a result of a new strategy by the state to improve care in its Medicaid program.

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California Poised To Extend COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Requirements

With current COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SPSL) requirements set to expire on September 30, the California Legislature has passed California Assembly Bill 152 (AB 152), which now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature.

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Blue Shield Of California, Walgreens Aim To Serve ‘Healthcare Deserts’ With New Health Corner Locations

Blue Shield of California wants its members to get health advice as easily as they can buy sunscreen or toothpaste—and it’s teaming up with Walgreens so they can do all of those things in one place. The insurer and the drugstore giant are launching new Health Corners in 12 Walgreens stores in the San Francisco Bay area ...

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Molina Scores Huge Win with State Medi-Cal Contracts

Last month, a strategic decision paid off in spades. Molina Healthcare scored its largest Medicaid win ever as the California Department of Health Care Services on August 25 announced it intends to award the company new or additional contracts in Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego counties.

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Aetna To Enter ACA Exchanges In 4 More States; California

Aetna will enter the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) exchanges in four more states, bringing its total footprint to 12 states, the insurer announced late last week. The CVS Health subsidiary will begin offering plans in California, Delaware, Illinois and New Jersey for the 2023 plan year. Aetna already offered plans in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, ...

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CA Legislature Expands Pay Transparency and Data Reporting Requirements; Extends COVID Supplemental Paid Sick Leave

California employers should take note of two significant bills recently passed by the state Legislature that are now awaiting likely approval by Governor Newsom. The first, Senate Bill 1162 (SB 1162), would further expand California’s already progressive requirements for employers regarding pay transparency and data reporting. The second, Assembly Bill 152 (AB 152), is expected ...

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Opposition in Final Days of Legislative Session Stops Onerous Requirements for Businesses

In the closing days of the legislative session, strong opposition from the California Chamber of Commerce and allied groups, including many local chambers of commerce, prevented the passage of a number of harmful proposals. The CalChamber-opposed bills stopped include the following: • SB 260 (Wiener; D-San Francisco) Increased Regulatory Burden. Imposes a mandatory climate tracking, auditing, and cap on climate ...

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California Governor Signs Landmark Law For Fast Food Workers

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday signed a nation-leading measure giving more than a half-million fast food workers more power and protections, despite the objections of restaurant owners who warned it would drive up consumers’ costs.

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Sweltering California Could Become The First State To Rank Heat Waves

When natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires or tornadoes strike in the United States, the calamities are given rankings and names to emphasize the havoc they wreak.

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