We’ve got some important updates in this week’s newsletter, including several on-the-move bills and an overview of health funding in Gov. Newsom’s May Revise budget proposal. We also have coverage of the steps California is taking to protect abortion rights in the wake of a likely Roe v. Wade overturn, and new CHCF data showing the … Read more
California legislators are considering a bill that aims to make the cost-savings from rebates negotiated between pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and prescription drug manufacturers directly available to consumers at the point of sale. Sponsored by Sen. Sydney Kamlager (D – Los Angeles), SB 1361 would require a health plan enrollee’s cost sharing to be calculated … Read more
Happy Thursday! In today’s newsletter, we bring you a Q&A with Democratic Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman that you won’t want to miss, an overview of two contentious bills moving through the California Legislature, and data that associates higher investment in primary care with positive quality and cost outcomes. Thanks for reading! Eli Kirshbaum State of Reform … Read more
This edition of “5 Things We’re Watching” includes a rundown of key bills we’re monitoring, input from a pharmacy leader on his experience with Medi-Cal Rx over the last few months, and the American Nurses Association of California’s work to address the state’s nursing shortage. Thank you for reading! Eli Kirshbaum State of Reform 1. … Read more
We enjoyed seeing so many of you at last month’s 2022 Northern California State of Reform Health Policy Conference. With this being our first non-virtual conference in Sacramento since 2019, it was wonderful to have an opportunity to host these important conversations on health policy in person. View our “What You Missed” video for an idea of the … Read more
Sen. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) is sponsoring a bill that would prevent pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from discriminating against 340B-covered entities for which they’re statutorily required to provide discounted prescription drugs. While the Senate Health Committee recently voted to advance the bill, pushing it closer to a full Senate floor vote, drug manufacturers voiced their concern … Read more
Happy March! This newsletter includes an update on health legislation we’re monitoring, the Legislative Analyst’s Office’s input on Gov. Newsom’s budget proposals, and Blue Shield’s efforts to reduce maternal and infant health disparities. Thank you for reading! Eli Kirshbaum State of Reform 1. Policy movement in the legislature Sen. Richard Pan—along with members … Read more
There’s a lot happening in the California health policy space right now—reprocurement, the news of the state granting Kaiser a no-bid Medi-Cal contract, waning public health mandates—all while the legislative session continues. This week’s newsletter features a conversation with Sen. Wiener on his policy priorities, a look at some of the health bills making their way … Read more
A bill that would expand what constitutes an “injury” meriting workers’ compensation for hospital workers has passed the California Senate and awaits further deliberation in the Assembly. SB 213 would expand these types of injuries to include infectious diseases, cancer, and respiratory illness—including COVID-19. The bill would also provide “rebuttable presumption” of workers’ compensation, meaning … Read more
We recently hosted the Convening Panel meeting for our upcoming 2022 Northern California State of Reform Health Policy Conference. Using the valuable input of our stakeholders, the State of Reform team is currently building a Topical Agenda for the event on March 23rd. So, keep your eyes out for a breakdown of the day’s panels in the coming … Read more