A photo illustration of the impact of a parental argument on their child. (Photo: YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV, via Shutterstock)OPINION: Medi-Cal provides health insurance for more than 14.5 million California residents with low incomes. As Medi-Cal moves to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations, it is uniquely positioned to support survivors and to foster the prevention of intimate partner violence.
A man receives a one-shot vaccination against COVID-19 in Covina. (Photo: Ringo Chiu, via Shutterstock)Almost 2 million of California’s poorest and most medically fragile residents may have to switch health insurers as a result of a new strategy by the state to improve care in its Medicaid program. A first-ever statewide contracting competition to participate in the program, known as Medi-Cal, required commercial managed-care plans to rebid for their contracts and compete against others hoping to take those contracts away.
An illustration of a son and his father facing the future. Image: Jacob-09)OPINION: An increasing number of children report feeling sad, hopeless, and, in the most extreme cases, suicidal. We cannot wait any longer to ensure every child has the behavioral health support they need, regardless of how they receive their health care coverage.
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.
The Kaiser Permanente hospital in San Diego, a 617,000-square foot facility. (Photo: Roaming Panda Photos)OPINION: In giving private health care giant Kaiser Permanente a broad, no-bid Medi-Cal contract that is light on detail, the state could unwind over 40 years of locally driven health care coordination and collaboration for the most vulnerable among us.
Personnel at the Sacramento Native American Health Center. (Photo: SNAHC)OPINION: Amid the ongoing health crisis, California’s Medi-Cal Rx transition threatens the stability of over 1,300 community health centers that serve more than 7.2 million people throughout the state. In a noble attempt to discount rising prescription drug prices, a huge gap in savings is created for community health centers. Ironically, the transition disproportionately impacts the very same people it aims to help: California’s diverse population.
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.
Photo illustration of a card identifying the recipient of Medi-Cal services. (Image: California Healthline)When Denise Williams’ baby boy was 2 months old, she became alarmed by a rattling sound in his lungs and took him to the emergency room. While undergoing treatment, he spiraled into a disabling neurological disorder.
An Illustration of prescription pain killers spilled on a table. (Image: Kimberly Boyles, via Shutterstock)OPINION: Amid an opioid and alcohol use disorder crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, California health advocates are calling for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to expand coverage of Medication Assisted Treatment and behavioral health care for Medi-Cal recipients.
A physician uses his cell phone for a medical discussion. (Photo: apr.org)OPINION: The mother on the other end of the phone call was worried about her newborn’s increased fussiness and stomach issues. After taking a thorough history, the problem became clear: The mother had switched from breastmilk to a formula that triggered symptoms related to the baby’s known history of milk protein allergy. I advised a switch to a hydrolyzed formula.