Health

Johanna Wonderly helps her children Caitlyn, 5, Cassie, 9, and Cara, 7, with their homework on Oct. 11, 2023. Photo by Jyotsana Bhamidipati for CalMatters

Health

Families fume over Newsom’s veto of children’s hearing aid bill, call his plan ‘a nightmare’

More than 30 states require insurers to provide some level of coverage for kids’ hearing aids. California isn’t one of them, and Gov. Newsom for the second time has vetoed a bill to close that gap.

By Kristen Hwang • October 13, 2023

Health

Kaiser agrees to $200 million settlement over California mental health delays

Kaiser patients waited 19 days for follow-up mental health appointments in 2019, nine days longer than state law permits. The settlement includes the largest-ever penalty issued by California’s behavioral health regulator.

By Ana B. Ibarra • October 12, 2023

Insulin at Pucci's Pharmacy in Sacramento on July 8, 2022. One of the California bills killed would have capped co-pays.in the soaring prices of insulin has thus far been in elusive in Congress, although Democrats say they'll try again — as part of their economic package that focuses on health and climate. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP Photo

Health

Gavin Newsom rejected plan to lower insulin copays, saying a better deal is the works

Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a cap on insulin copayments, disappointing California diabetics who sought relief on prescription medication costs.

By Ana B. Ibarra • October 12, 2023

Health

Gavin Newsom signs law in ‘overhaul’ of mental health system. It changes decades of practice

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature mental health policies allow the involuntary treatment of more Californians with severe mental illnesses. Some fear the new laws will infringe on the civil liberties of people confined against their will.

By Jocelyn Wiener • October 10, 2023

Maksim Batuyev is an environmental activist who runs climate cafes in Los Angeles. Sept. 27, 2023. Photo by Lauren Justice for Cal Matters

Mental Health

Climate change took them to ‘dark places.’ Now these Californians are doing something about it

The facts of climate change can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair. Some California activists are creating communities for people to talk about those feelings.

By Shreya Agrawal • October 10, 2023

Kaiser Permanente employees on strike on Oct. 4, 2023.

Health

Kaiser strike begins as 68,000 employees stage walkout at California hospitals

California health care giant Kaiser Permanente could not reach a contract to avert a strike by a union coalition representing some 75,000 employees in five states. The walkout is expected to last three days.

By Kristen Hwang • October 4, 2023

Peeps Marshmallow Chicks on display at a store in Albuquerque, New Mexico on April 5, 2023. Photo by Sam Wasson, Sipa USA via Reuters

Health

New California law bans 4 food additives used in common sweets. What to know

The European Union has banned certain additives that are used in American candies and baked goods. A new California law prohibits their sale by 2027.

By Shreya Agrawal • October 3, 2023

Health

Another strike looms at Kaiser’s California hospitals as workers push for better pay

Kaiser Permanente provides health care to more than 9 million Californians. A strike this week could affect patients at dozens of hospitals.

By Kristen Hwang • October 3, 2023

Pregnancy Care Center, an affiliate of Heartbeat International, in Fresno on Sept. 21, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Health

California sues crisis pregnancy centers over ‘abortion pill reversal’ claims

Several anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers are advertising ‘abortion pill reversal’. California Attorney General Rob Bonta calls the claims false advertising that mislead vulnerable patients.

By Kristen Hwang • September 21, 2023

Alex Scordato stands in front of the San Diego LGBT Community Center in San Diego on Sept. 17, 2023.

Health

As abortions increase in California, Planned Parenthood clinics near border vote to unionize

Planned Parenthood clinics in Southern California saw a sharp increase in abortions after the Supreme Court struck down Roe vs. Wade. Now, workers at clinics in San Diego and the Inland Empire are creating a union.

By Shreya Agrawal • September 19, 2023

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