Hearing Examines Unequal State Spending on Autism Services

State officials and children's health care advocates are criticizing the Department of Developmental Services for unequal spending on autism services across ethnic and racial groups. Lawmakers are seeking legislation to strengthen accountability. Los Angeles Times.

Income Tax Revenue in April Falls More Than $2B Short of Projections

According to the state controller, revenue from personal income taxes in April was more than $2 billion below Gov. Brown's expectations. Brown projected that the state would receive $9.13 billion during the month, but new data show that it received $6.74 billion. Bloomberg et al.

Mass. Lawmakers Poised To Launch Health Care Payment Reform Efforts

Massachusetts lawmakers soon are expected to consider legislation that would overhaul the way health care providers are paid. For example, a legislative committee is advancing a bill that would move all state health care providers to a value-based payment model. Washington Post.

Study Finds Preventable Chronic Ailments Cost CalPERS Millions in 2008

A new study finds that CalPERS could have saved up to $54 million in 2008 if members did not have as many preventable health conditions. Various groups have launched a program aimed at improving public workers' health. AP/Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Bee's "The State Worker."

Republicans Divided on Replacement Legislation for Health Reform Law

Republicans have differing views on legislation to replace the federal health reform law, which could make it difficult for the party to unite behind a single plan if the law is overturned. So far, House Republicans have proposed four health reform law replacement plans. Politico et al.

Misuse of Prescription Painkillers Becoming More Widespread Among Young Californians

Capitol Desk

Autism Therapy Nixed in Medi-Cal

State officials eliminated a plan to cover applied behavioral analysis -- known as ABA therapy -- as an essential health benefit for autistic children in Medi-Cal.

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Brown, Legislative Democrats Reach Agreement on Budget

California Department of Public Health Fines 10 Hospitals Total of $625K

Consumer Group Criticizes Exchange Rates for Being High

House GOP Questions IRS About Seizure of Health Records in Calif.

Jones Wants Anthem Excluded From Small Business Exchange

California Law Reduces Medical Bills for Uninsured, Study Finds

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

Medi-Cal Dental Coverage Partially Restored

Consumer Group Criticizes Exchange Rates for Being High

Autism Therapy Out of the Budget

Yamada Takes a Lonely Stand on ADHC Bill

Plan for Autism Medi-Cal Benefit Rejected