Medi-Cal

Latest 蘑菇影院 Health News Stories

New Doula Benefit 鈥楲ife-Changing鈥 for California Mom

蘑菇影院 Health News Original

Doulas, independent workers who act as advocates for birthing parents, have been shown to help prevent pregnancy complications and improve the health of both mothers and babies. California鈥檚 Medicaid program started covering their services this year, but some doulas say bureaucratic obstacles and inadequate pay prevent their effective use.

In New Year, All Immigrants in California May Qualify for Medicaid Regardless of Legal Status

蘑菇影院 Health News Original

In the new year, California鈥檚 Medicaid program will open to otherwise eligible immigrants ages 26 to 49 without legal residency. They will join children, young adults, and adults over 50 enrolled in Medi-Cal through previous expansions to residents lacking authorization. The change is expected to add over 700,000 first-time enrollees.

The Unusual Way a Catholic Health System Is Wielding an Abortion Protest Law

蘑菇影院 Health News Original

Dignity Health is suing several patients and their advocates for 鈥渃ommercial blockade鈥 for refusing discharge during the covid-19 pandemic. The lawsuits could set precedents for use of the California commercial blockade statute, conceived to constrain abortion protesters, and how hospitals handle discharges.

Feds Say Hospitals That Redistribute Medicaid Money Violate Law

蘑菇影院 Health News Original

Federal officials are trying to clamp down on private arrangements among some hospitals to pay themselves back for the Medicaid taxes they鈥檝e paid. State health officials and the influential hospital industry argue that regulators have no jurisdiction over the agreements.

Medi-Cal Covers Gender-Transition Treatment, but Getting It Isn鈥檛 Easy

蘑菇影院 Health News Original

Pasha Wrangell has faced delays getting gender-affirming care because of red tape and limited providers. Over more than two years, Wrangell has received only about half the total electrolysis sessions recommended. Wrangell鈥檚 insurer through Medi-Cal, California鈥檚 Medicaid program, acknowledges the shortage of practitioners.

Industry Groups in California Vie for New Medicaid Money

蘑菇影院 Health News Original

State officials have promised to boost funding for California鈥檚 Medicaid program by $11.1 billion starting next year, with most of that money earmarked for higher payments to doctors, hospitals, and other providers. But the details have yet to be worked out, and powerful health industry groups are jockeying for position.

Medi-Cal鈥檚 Fragmented System Can Make Moving a Nightmare

蘑菇影院 Health News Original

When Medi-Cal beneficiary Lloyd Tennison moved last year from Contra Costa County to San Joaquin County, he was bumped off his managed care plan without notice before his new coverage took effect. His case highlights a chronic issue in California鈥檚 fragmented Medicaid program.

California Promises Better Care for Thousands of Inmates as They Leave Prison

蘑菇影院 Health News Original

California officials recently agreed to give new parolees a 60-day supply of their prescriptions and promised to replace lost medical equipment in the month after they鈥檙e released from prison. The state also agreed to submit Medi-Cal applications on their behalf at least 90 days before they are released.