Image by utah778. OPINION- As a healthcare researcher and business owner in California, I’ve seen first-hand how rising health care costs impact business and bottom lines. I’m concerned by the upward trend of rising premiums and cost-sharing and the role that large hospital systems play in driving up these costs in our communities.
Image by Arkadiusz Warguła. OPINION – California has already shown the courage to lead on the opioid crisis. Now it must finish the job. By making non-opioid pain treatments as accessible—or even more—than opioids, the state can translate Governor Newsom’s vision into reality.
Image by Tero Vesalainen. OPINION – California has ambitious goals to make health care more effective, efficient, and affordable. But there’s a hard truth: none of these goals are achievable without a clear, coordinated path for sharing necessary patient information across health and social care systems.
Image by artisteer. OPINION – We know the costs of untreated obesity are staggering. In 2022 alone, obesity and related conditions cost California’s economy $89.5 billion – 2.5% of our state’s GDP.
Image by Andrii Zorii. OPINION – More than half of California adults get their health coverage through an employer. It’s one of the most important benefits businesses offer, and has become one of the hardest to keep affordable.
Image by RawpixelOPINION – Governor Newsom’s release of the May Budget Revise included a shortfall of $12 billion and proposed reductions that would have affected older adults and people with disabilities. We had deep concerns about these proposals, especially those related to health care and home and community-based services (HCBS).
Image by zimmytws. OPINION – While there is extreme uncertainty about where the economy is headed, we know this much: Gutting Medicaid does not create prosperity. It pulls loved ones out of the workforce, it lowers consumer spending, increases personal debt and weakens the economy for everyone.
Image by Alexandrum79OPINION – Without legislative intervention, an impending hike in the cannabis excise tax will accelerate the collapse of California’s regulated cannabis market, harming consumers, public health, and ironically, the state’s bottom line.
Health-focused semaglutide pens. Image by Eduardo Monroy HusillosOPINION – With the state finalizing their budget in the coming weeks and looking to fill deficits, including within the Medi-Cal program, AOM coverage could be on the chopping block. Having seen the importance of comprehensive obesity treatment with AOMs from a clinical standpoint, it’s imperative that this coverage isn’t cut
Image by utah778OPINION – Controlling costs in health care is important. But it must be done in a way that acknowledges the complexity of delivering care in one of the most diverse and expansive states in the country.