Medi-Cal

Gov. Gavin Newsom addressed the media during a press conference where he unveiled his budget proposal for 2022-23 in Sacramento on Jan. 10, 2022.

WhatMatters

Newsom stops short of single-payer health care — but lawmakers forge ahead

CalMatters is dedicated to explaining how state government impacts our lives. Your support helps us produce journalism that makes a difference. Donate now. Don’t ask Gov. Gavin Newsom about Democratic lawmakers’ proposal to create a state-funded single-payer health care system — he hasn’t read it. “I have not had the opportunity to review that plan, and no […]

By

Emily Hoeven

• January 11, 2022

A play area at WestCoast Children’s Clinic in Oakland on Sept. 22, 2021. The clinic serves nearly 1500 children annually, many of whom are low-income. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Health

Stranded in the ER: Can California change its treatment of kids in crisis?

A controversial bill before Gov. Gavin Newsom would fund crisis residential treatment facilities for children on Medi-Cal, steering more kids away from hospital emergency rooms.

By

Jocelyn Wiener

• September 27, 2021

Commentary

It’s time to correct abuses by health care providers

Physicians and medical groups maximize their earnings by limiting time with patients and adopting abusive billing practices.

By

Guest Commentary

• September 22, 2021

Commentary

California measure helps boost those granted asylum

Assembly Bill 1368 will enable California’s network of resettlement agencies to get state funding to provide case management for people granted asylum and ensure that they get the support and resources they need.

By

Guest Commentary

• August 2, 2021

An East Palo Alto resident is inoculated against COVID-19 during a community vaccination clinic run by Ravenswood Family Health Network at Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park on April 10, 2021. Ravenswood clinics serve low-income populations with more than half of their patients participating in public health coverage programs such as Medi-Cal. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Coronavirus

COVID vaccinations lag for people on Medi-Cal

In all California counties, Medi-Cal enrollees have been vaccinated at substantially lower rates than the overall population. Experts point to several factors for this economic divide, like the inability of low-income people to take time off work.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• July 30, 2021

Commentary

California needs public health responses to behavioral health needs

Our government can do better to promote public safety by prioritizing resources on expanding treatment and housing, not jails, for people with untreated behavioral health needs.

By

Guest Commentary

• July 28, 2021

Noelle Tuominen helps Eleanor, 4, test her blood glucose levels at their Livermore home. Eleanor, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at one year old has been doing her own finger pricks since the age of two. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Health

Newsom promised big on California health care. Where do his bold plans stand now?

Three of the California governor’s boldest health care promises — including affordable medications and universal health care — have made little progress so far.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• July 19, 2021

Gov. Gavin Newsom holds a press conference at The Unity Council in Oakland to announce an estimated $75.5 billion surplus and in addition to stimulus checks, tax rebates and additional rent relief on May 10, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

WhatMatters

Newsom recall twist: Governor sues elections chief he appointed

The governor sues Secretary of State Shirley Weber — whom he appointed to the position just months ago — for refusing to correct his lawyers' filing mistake that could result in Newsom appearing on the recall ballot without "Democratic Party" listed next to his name.

By

Emily Hoeven

• June 29, 2021

WhatMatters

Today’s big vote leaves much undecided

Good morning, California. It’s Monday, June 28. Ongoing negotiations As it turns out, deciding how to spend $262.6 billion is an extraordinarily complicated task. So, although state lawmakers will vote today on the record-breaking budget they unveiled Friday after reaching new agreements with Gov. Gavin Newsom, many details still have to be worked out. It’s […]

By

Emily Hoeven

• June 28, 2021

Gov. Gavin Newsom, center, flanked by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, left, and Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, right, applauds during his first State of the State address at the Capitol on Feb. 12, 2019. The three leaders announced a budget deal. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP Photo

Politics

Five things to know about Newsom’s budget deal with Legislature

Gov. Newsom and legislative leaders reach a spending agreement to help residents recover from the COVID-19 economic crisis and, perhaps, help Newsom defeat a recall campaign.

By

Laurel Rosenhall

,

Sameea Kamal

and

Manuela Tobias

• June 28, 2021