CMS approved California’s 1115 waiver late last month, officially allowing the state to pursue its CalAIM program to reform Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal Rx is one of the initiatives that went live on Jan. 1, and below we feature input from several pharmacists in the state about their experience so far using the new fee-for-service delivery system for prescription drugs. … Read more
We have a really smart group of thoughtful minds here at State of Reform. I’m honored to get a chance to work with and mentor some of these folks. Eli Kirshbaum is one of those, who has put together so much of today’s newsletter. Emily Boerger is another one, who serves as our Managing Editor. … Read more
Despite several significant accomplishments this year, the California Legislature halted some of state lawmakers’ highest-priority bills, either killing them completely or turning them into two-year bills. Sen. Monique Limón (D- Los Angeles) has introduced a different bill relating to Alzheimer’s disease every year she has served, most of which died in the legislative process. … Read more
The California Legislature recently passed two of California pharmacists’ highest priority bills. Senate Bill 524 prohibits health plans from requiring patients to get their medications or services from certain pharmacies — a practice known as “patient steering.” SB 362 prevents community pharmacies from enforcing quotas on their pharmacists. The two bills have cleared the legislature … Read more
Pending final approval from Gov. Gavin Newsom, California is positioned to require private, state-regulated health plans to offer health insurance coverage to eligible dependent adults. AB 570, or the “Parent Healthcare Act,” authored by Asm. Miguel Santiago and sponsored by the California Department of Insurance (CDI), will require health plans to provide coverage to a … Read more
Eli Kirshbaum has been doing great work leading our reporting of California health care and health policy. He is part of a seven-member newsroom led by Emily Boerger, our managing editor. It’s a strong team I’m very honored to be a part of. Next week’s election may not amount to much. Public polling has Gavin … Read more
Senator Susan Eggman’s bill to create a Rare Disease Advisory Council is nearing the last steps of its journey to passage after clearing the Senate on Thursday. SB 247, which Eggman said is a “much-needed” bill, is headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk. The governor has until Oct. 10 to sign bills into law. The … Read more
According to Joseph Alvarnas, MD, vice president of government affairs at City of Hope, 55% of cancer patients in California don’t receive care consistent with clinical guidelines from national comprehensive cancer networks. Alvarnas said cancer patients in California, with approximately 176,000 people diagnosed each year, need a bill of rights because of the issues many … Read more