Hospitals

Health

She opened a business to deliver babies. California policies drove her out of the country

Midwives provide many of the same services as doctors in low-risk pregnancies. A new UCSF study highlights obstacles they face doing business in California, especially when serving patients with Medi-Cal insurance.

By Kristen Hwang • February 12, 2024

Health

A bankrupt California hospital left a health care desert. Two medical groups move to reopen it

The closure of Madera Community Hospital created a new health care desert in a community that already had fewer doctors per capita than other parts of the state. UCSF and Adventist have a plan to reopen it.

By Ana B. Ibarra • February 8, 2024

Health

California wants to cap your medical bills. Guess who’s pushing back.

California’s new Office of Health Care Affordability has a mandate to control price increases. It's proposing a target that’s among the most aggressive in America.

By Ana B. Ibarra • February 8, 2024

Health

‘A market failure’: High prices at Monterey County hospitals drive away many insured Californians

High prices at hospitals in Monterey County are “an anomaly even among the most expensive” communities in California. One insurance plan there saves money by paying for members’ travel to other counties for procedures.

By Kristen Hwang • January 4, 2024

Health

California threw a $50 million lifeline to a bankrupt hospital. It’s scrambling to reopen

Earlier this year, the state created a loan program meant to help struggling hospitals stay afloat and to help reopen Madera County’s only hospital. Almost a year after its closure, Madera continues its search for a buyer or partner.

By Ana B. Ibarra • December 5, 2023

Health

Vast stretches of California lose maternity care as dozens of hospitals shut labor wards

As maternal mortality rates are steadily worsening across California, a CalMatters analysis finds that maternity wards are closing at an alarming rate.

By Ana B. Ibarra, Kristen Hwang and Erica Yee • November 15, 2023

Commentary

As hospitals and maternity wards close, here’s one way California can prevent stillbirths

Expectant parents are losing access to prenatal care or driving long distances with so many California hospitals closing maternity wards to cut costs. A mother whose first child was stillborn shares her story and an important practice that public agencies should raise awareness about.

By Allie Felker • November 15, 2023

Health

More than 40 California hospitals closed maternity wards in a decade. Is yours one of them?

Hospitals all over California are closing their maternity wards, including in dense cities like Los Angeles and in more remote communities in the Sierra Nevada.

By Kristen Hwang, Ana B. Ibarra and Erica Yee • November 15, 2023

Health

Despite high Black maternal death rate, California hospitals ignored training about bias in care

Black women are three times more likely than any other women to die during or immediately after pregnancy. California lawmakers passed a law in 2019 requiring hospitals to train labor and delivery staff on unconscious bias in medicine.

By Kristen Hwang • October 27, 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