State GovernmentGavin Newsom’s mental health plan could strip more than $700 million from services, report saysJuly 17, 2023Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to rethink how California spends its millionaire’s tax by directing more money toward housing. Some county-run mental health programs could lose out.
Health CareExcessive drinking during the pandemic increased alcoholic liver disease death ratesJuly 16, 2023The number of Californians dying from alcoholic liver disease rose dramatically in the last decade, sped by the pandemic.
Health Care'People are calling': More Californians are reaching out to 988 mental health hotlineJuly 13, 2023 | Kate WolffeData released one year after the launch of 988 shows a 28% bump in contacts. Mental health experts say more infrastructure is needed to respond to mental health crises.
Health CareMedi-Cal’s fragmented system can make moving a nightmareJuly 9, 2023When 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.
State GovernmentGot COVID from a loved one who was at work? Their employer owes you nothing, California court rulesJuly 8, 2023A Bay Area woman sued her husband’s employer after she became infected with COVID-19. The California Supreme Court found that giving her workers’ comp could set a precedent that would imperil the system.
Health CareWhy mental health providers say Medi-Cal’s latest reform may force them to cut servicesJuly 7, 2023Medi-Cal is changing how it pays mental health providers; some say they will have to cut services such as home visits.
Health CareCalifornia promises better care for thousands of inmates as they leave prisonJuly 6, 2023California 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’re released from prison.
More states drop sales tax on disposable diapers to boost affordabilityJuly 3, 2023Last month, Florida joined a growing number of states in banning sales taxes on diapers to make them more affordable for older adults and families with young children.
Health CareE-Cigs are still flooding the US, addicting teens with higher nicotine dosesJuly 1, 2023The FDA, Justice Department, and White House have failed to act as vapes with kid-friendly flavors like cotton candy or gummy bears proliferate.
Health CareCalifornia deemed a ‘surge state’ for abortions post-RoeJune 27, 2023 | Kate WolffeCalifornia is performing almost 500 more abortions per month than in the months before the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Researchers hypothesize the increase could be people coming to the state, plus increased abortion access for Californians.
