Blue Shield Might Win L.A. City Worker Contract Over Anthem

Los Angeles might award Blue Shield of California a three-year contract to provide health coverage for city workers. Blue Shield's bid would cost nearly $9 million less than a proposal by Anthem Blue Cross, which holds the current contract. Los Angeles Times.

Lawyer Warns of Risk of Valley Fever Outbreak to Prison Population

A lawyer for California prison inmates has told a federal judge that thousands of prisoners should be moved immediately because of the threat of valley fever. A state lawyer argues that prisoners should not be moved until CDC completes a study of the issue. AP/Sacramento Bee.

PwC Report Finds That Health Care Costs Will Increase by 6.5% in 2014

A PricewaterhouseCoopers report published Tuesday finds that health costs will increase by 6.5% in 2014. Authors say the increase is lower than previous estimates and indicates that the slowdown in health spending growth might be a trend rather than a reprieve. AP/Sacramento Bee.

California Acupuncture Providers Expect Surge in Patients Under ACA

California acupuncture providers say they expect more patients following the state's decision to list the treatment as an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act. Some acupuncturists are worried that insurer payments will be lower than current payments. HealthyCal.

Advocacy Groups To Launch ACA Advertising Campaigns This Week

Advocacy groups Organizing for Action and Enroll America will launch advertising campaigns this week to promote the Affordable Care Act. In addition, OFA plans to hire 800 summer fellows to educate U.S. residents about the law's benefits. Washington Post's "Post Politics" et al.

State Public Health Agencies Under Pressure To Curb Growing Valley Fever Threat in California

Capitol Desk

Legislators Take Fast Look at 'De-link' Plan

A legislative committee yesterday questioned a proposal to "de-link" some provisions of the Coordinated Care Initiative and to expand the role of the Department of Finance in the state's plans for covering Californians eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal.

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Consumer Group Criticizes Exchange Rates for Being High

Jones Wants Anthem Excluded From Small Business Exchange

Lawmakers OK Spending Plan, Medi-Cal Expansion Legislation

County, State Officials Reach Agreement on Expanding Medi-Cal

California Faces Several Unique Challenges in ACA Implementation

Jones Wants Anthem Excluded From Small Business Exchange

Consumer Group Criticizes Exchange Rates for Being High

U.S. Senators Ask HHS To Review California Exchange Disclosure

Lawmakers Join Rally Against 10% Cut to Medi-Cal Reimbursements

California Acupuncture Providers Expect Surge in Patients Under ACA

Medi-Cal Dental Coverage Partially Restored

Plan for Autism Medi-Cal Benefit Rejected

Consumer Group Criticizes Exchange Rates for Being High

Yamada Takes a Lonely Stand on ADHC Bill

California Acupuncture Providers Expect Surge in Patients Under ACA