Health CareBirth rates are declining in California. Here’s why experts think it's happening.February 23, 2023 | Vicki GonzalezStatewide births hit a peak in 1992, and more than 30 years later, that number dropped by nearly a third. Experts say economic, financial and cultural shifts have played a factor in the complicated decision to have — or not have — children. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Health CareFixing the health care worker shortage may be something Congress can agree onFebruary 22, 2023The U.S. faces a shortfall of about 450,000 nurses and 120,000 doctors in the coming years. The Senate's top health committee, led by Sen. Bernie Sanders, is considering bipartisan solutions.
Health CareCalifornia says it can no longer afford aid for Covid testing, vaccinations for migrantsFebruary 22, 2023Gov. Gavin Newsom is winding down state assistance for health care services to migrants seeking asylum. He’s lobbying the Biden administration to increase aid along the state’s southern border.
Health CareIs California breaking its promise to cut health care costs?February 21, 2023The state set up a fund to cut costs for those enrolled in Covered California, but that money has been diverted.
Health CareCalifornia requires hospitals to turn to a patient’s next of kin, closing a longtime loopholeFebruary 19, 2023A state law establishes a list of representatives who can make medical decisions for patients unable to convey their wishes. California is late to making the change; 45 other states and the District of Columbia already have next-of-kin laws.
Health CareCalifornia lawmakers seek to bolster the state as an “abortion sanctuary”February 17, 2023 | Kate WolffeThe authors of two recently introduced bills say they are steps toward cementing the reality of an accessible, private abortion for residents and people who come from out of state to get the procedure and related care.
Health CareIn California, Democrats propose $25 minimum wage for health workersFebruary 15, 2023State Sen. María Elena Durazo and Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West want to give health facility support staffers a raise. Hospitals, nursing homes, and dialysis.
Health CareCalifornia’s COVID-19 state of emergency to end Feb. 28February 10, 2023 | Kate WolffeThe order has been in place for nearly three years, having first been issued on March 5, 2020. California is one of only seven states that still has an emergency order in place.
Health CareCentene agrees to $215 million settlement with California for alleged Medicaid overbillingFebruary 8, 2023The nation’s largest Medicaid insurer denies wrongdoing after the California attorney general’s office investigated it for inflating prescription drug costs.
State GovernmentCalifornia lawmakers try again to cap insulin costsFebruary 8, 2023California plans to roll out an ambitious plan to manufacture its own insulin, but in the meantime, legislators are proposing to cap what diabetics pay.
