Health

Commentary

Victims of medical negligence in California should be included in investigations

Many victims of medical negligence are excluded from investigations after they file a complaint with the Medical Board of California, omitting crucial evidence from those cases. A proposed reform would require it, and address other transparency, oversight and solvency issues facing the board.

By Annette Ramirez • August 28, 2023

Mental Health

Gavin Newsom gives ground to critics on his mental health plan. Will voters back it?

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants counties to spend some revenue from California’s so-called “millionaire’s tax” on the state’s homeless crisis. That alarms advocates for programs that are getting that money today.

By Kristen Hwang • August 17, 2023

Health

3 California hospitals declared bankruptcy this year. Health chains could keep them alive

Two of the three troubled California hospitals are especially vital to their communities because they’re the only emergency providers in their rural counties. Health care chains could keep them afloat.

By Ana B. Ibarra • August 14, 2023

Politics

Some of California’s best-paid public employees say they’re ready to strike. Here’s why

Almost half of the jobs for doctors and psychiatrists in California prisons are unfilled. Now, their union says it’s ready to strike over pay even as the state faces a steep budget deficit.

By Kristen Hwang • August 2, 2023

WhatMatters

The debate over flavored medicine for California kids

If you’re a parent, you know how difficult it can be to get your kids to take medicine that tastes bad.  Parents can remedy this by requesting their children’s prescription medicine to be flavored at the 3,000 pharmacies in California that are able to do so. But an unintended consequence of a 2019 law may […]

By Lynn La • August 2, 2023

Commentary

California’s paid family leave laws overlook babies that need intensive care

California leads the country with its comprehensive paid family leave laws, but parents with children born prematurely need more support.

By Guest Commentary • July 31, 2023

Health

California forbids plans to unmask workers at In-N-Out — and most other workplaces

The iconic California burger joint known for its crossed palm trees and cups printed with Bible verses banned its employees in five states from wearing masks at work.

By Ana B. Ibarra • July 27, 2023

Health

Covered California announces biggest increase in premiums since 2018. Here’s how much

California still offers generous subsidies, but the rate hike signals that runaway health care costs are back after five years of low premium increases.

By Kristen Hwang • July 26, 2023

Health

How California is fighting meth with gift cards

California’s experimental new program targets methamphetamine addiction by rewarding patients with gift cards for negative drug tests.

By Marisa Kendall • July 24, 2023

Health

More than 220K people kicked off Medi-Cal in its first checkup since COVID

Many of the people who lost Medi-Cal are likely still eligible for health care coverage if they can get their paperwork to county offices in the next 90 days.

By Ana B. Ibarra • July 21, 2023