Image by MMD CreativeOPINION – CHCs and primary care physicians have long served as a safety net for communities of color. For far too long, our physicians, nurses and staff have witnessed the devastating challenges our patients face to access regular care for chronic health conditions, finding specialty care doctors who accept Medi-Cal, and accessing affordable medications.
Constant glucose monitoring, image by russellleephotoOPINION – New guidelines issued today by the state’s Department of Health Care Services will increase access to essential medical devices called continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). With more than 10% of the population in California living with diabetes, 29% of which are Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and 22% American Indian and Alaska Native, the new policy for CGM access is not just a win for people living with diabetes but a win for our entire healthcare system.
OPINION: Currently, Kaiser Permanente subcontracts across parts of the state to provide Medi-Cal coverage. We are required to pay upwards of $200 million in administrative fees. This state contract allows us to put that money instead into more and better care for Medi-Cal members and the into communities that we serve.
Headquarters of the Department of Health Care Services in Sacramento. (Photo: Matthew Corley, via Shutterstock)OPINION: Anyone who has tried to access health care has likely run into hurdles. From difficulty getting appointments, to barriers to specialty care, to obtaining authorization for appropriate treatments or medications, it can feel like a Herculean task for many to receive the care they need.
A child has her ear inspected by a doctor using an otoscope. (Photo: Andrew_Popov)Health insurance coverage for 1.3 million California children and pregnant women is at risk because of Congress’ delay in extending the Children’s Health Insurance Program. While the House recently approved a bill to extend the program for five years, the bill still needs approval by the Senate and a fight is expected about how to pay for the extension.