News Archive

Sutter Health has settled a 2018 lawsuit filed by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who argued the hospital system’s anti-competitive practices are making care more expensive for Northern California patients.

Health Care

Mental Health Care Could Get Easier for New Moms Under New California Rules

December 18, 2019 | Sammy Caiola

A new California law could help women receive consistent services even if their mental health provider leaves their insurance network. And a budget bill effective Jan. 1 allows mothers on Medi-Cal to access mental health services for longer.

Insight With Vicki Gonzalez

Jon Bafus Talks About New Music Inspired By A Health Scare

December 18, 2019

Sacramento singer-songwriter Jon Bafus has new music out. He had a dramatic health scare recently. Besides sending him to the hospital, the scare pushed him into the recording studio. He’ll talk about his health and his music.

Listen

download audio

Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.

Insight With Vicki Gonzalez

UC Davis Infectious Disease Expert Dr. Dean Blumberg Talks About Flu Season

December 18, 2019

UC Davis infectious disease specialist Dr. Dean Blumberg talks about flu season, this year’s flu shots, in particular, and some specifics about what Jon Bafus has experienced.

Listen

download audio

Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.

Health Care

Eyeglasses, Speech Therapy And Other Services Returning To Medi-Cal Benefit List

December 17, 2019 | Sammy Caiola

California started slashing Medi-Cal benefits such as eyeglasses, speech therapy and incontinence treatments as a cost-saver during the last recession. But new funding in the latest budget will bring those benefits back this January.

Health Care

Californians Need Health Insurance By Jan. 1 Or Risk Paying A New Penalty

December 11, 2019 | Sammy Caiola

Californians must carry health insurance in 2020, or face a state-imposed penalty. Covered California is encouraging the state’s uninsured to enroll in a plan by Dec. 20, the deadline for coverage that kicks in Jan. 1.

Health Care

Dental Patients Face Years Of Debt, Inflated Bills

December 10, 2019

An investigation by The Fresno Bee for the California Divide has found that some dentists are pressuring patients to take out high-interest credit cards to pay for thousands of dollars of dental care.

Health Care

California Is Giving Doctors Incentives To Ask Patients About Childhood Trauma

December 9, 2019 | Sammy Caiola

California health officials want children and adults on Medi-Cal get screened for traumatic childhood events that can cause negative health effects down the line. The state has begun giving doctors and nurses tools to do the screenings.