Health Care

Is the governor's plan to streamline prescription drug buying a smart way to save the state millions? Maybe, but it will come at the expense of nonprofits that say they're using that money to boost services for poorer patients. 

LaVarne Burton, American Kidney Fund: For 22 years, the neediest patients in California have turned to the American Kidney Fund for help staying insured. We help only low-income patients. If Gov. Gavin Newsom signs AB 290, signed, the American Kidney Fund will end our program for the 3,700 dialysis and transplant patients we help in California and all those who might need our assistance in the future.

The bill would expand Medi-Cal to low-income undocumented immigrants age 65 and older starting next July — and would inch California closer to covering all immigrants in the state illegally.

Insurance commissioner issues a mea culpa. Economist calls PG&E plan a bailout. Newsom wants changes to vaccine legislation.

The Legislature again has refused to require health insurers to more broadly cover infertility treatment. But an advancing bill would insist that insurers cover the cost of preserving fertility for cancer patients whose treatment endangers their ability to have children.  

Harvey Rosenfield, author of Proposition 103: Ricardo Lara's troubles aside, going back to the system in which the insurance commissioner is appointed would only please the powerful insurance lobby. It also would disenfranchise Californians of one of their most successful powers: the ability to elect the person who protects their checkbooks.

Senator slams Facebook over shoving video by anti-vaxxer. Ethnic studies bill is delayed. PG&E wants to charge ratepayers more.

Bettye Jean Ford was in her second trimester when the pressure she had been feeling in her abdomen for weeks turned to excruciating pain. She rushed to a Los Angeles emergency room, where she was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection and sent home with antibiotics. Still cramping severely, the first-time expectant mother spent the […]

Dani Carrillo, UC San Francisco: Undocumented workers comprise 9% of California labor force and contribute $3 billion in state and local taxes each year. They do some of the most arduous work, including landscaping, construction, restaurant work, and taking care of children and seniors. But if their health is compromised, they have few places to go.

Newsom wins tax hike to fund tax credit. Bill to restrict vaccination exemptions advances. California braces for wildfires as summer begins.