06/30/2011
It's been eliminated, but part of it might not be eliminated. It's a cost-saver, but it's being cut to save costs. It's a vital service to thousands of Californians, but apparently not vital enough. What happened to adult day health care centers? And what might keep them alive? by David Gorn, California Healthline Sacramento Bureau
06/09/2011
Health care reform during a "time of substantial fiscal challenge and constraint in California" offers a good opportunity for the state's long-term care system to get a much-needed makeover, according to a new report from the SCAN Foundation. by George Lauer, California Healthline Features Editor
04/11/2011
We asked stakeholders and experts what steps state policymakers could take to address questions surrounding eligibility for Medi-Cal long-term care coverage.
01/20/2011
Elderly, low-income Californians dependent on state resources to remain in their homes get more than their fair share of pain from Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed budget plan, which could end up costing the state more money than it saves, according to senior advocates. by George Lauer, California Heathline Features Editor
12/02/2010
California plans to link $40 million in Medi-Cal rate increases to a new pay-for-performance system in nursing homes, and the governor recently signed into law a reauthorization of minimum staffing levels. We invited stakeholders to share opinions on how those changes might affect care quality.
08/09/2010
Advocates say California's Long-Term Care Ombudsman program is too important to succumb to budget cuts. Others contend the program is trying to do too much. by David Gorn, California Healthline Sacramento Bureau
07/15/2010
The pioneering Center of Excellence on Elder Abuse and Neglect at UC-Irvine is helping to propel a once-invisible population into view, an effort aided by the inclusion of the Elder Justice Act in the federal health care reform law. by Stephanie Stephens, California Healthline Regional Correspondent
05/06/2010
The CLASS Act, which establishes a national long-term care program, could have major implications for California, but it will be years before any impact is felt. Meanwhile, California struggles with rising costs and oversight of long-term care. by George Lauer, California Healthline Features Editor
11/23/2009
Beginning in 2011, California nursing homes that participate in Medicare or Medicaid will be required to post their ratings from CMS' five-star system. Supporters of the law say it will help consumers make health care decisions, but nursing home operators say CMS' system is inaccurate.
02/17/2009
Assembly members have introduced a "revenue-neutral" bill to require California nursing homes to publicly post their ratings in a new federal five-star ranking system. Supporters say it will help consumers evaluate their options when choosing a facility. by George Lauer
01/21/2009
California's hospitals, nursing homes and clinics are reeling from a powerful one-two punch of the nation's economic recession and the state's difficulties in passing a budget. by George Lauer
08/11/2008
Sparked by a grant from the Council on Aging, a three-year Healthier Living initiative hopes to help older Californians with chronic conditions take control of their health through behavior changes. by George Lauer
07/28/2008
Even if Medi-Cal cuts are denied in court, statewide programs providing health care services for frail elderly and disabled people -- especially programs in rural areas -- might have a hard time making ends meet. by George Lauer