FROM THE FOUNDATION

Big Business, Little Data

A growing number of Californians are being sent to ambulatory surgery centers for a wide variety of procedures, yet little is known about the care they deliver because reporting is not required.

And the Winner Is...

See how human-centered designers answered our challenge to encourage more people to complete advance directives and document their end-of-life wishes.

Ready or Not

Even with new federal resources to help, a study finds that communities with weaker safety-net systems are lagging in preparations for health reform.

Road to Reform

03/06/2013

The Radical Rethinking of Primary Care Starts Now

After years of being overlooked, primary care -- or efforts to transform it, at least -- has emerged as a major focus for reform. Here's a look at the ongoing problems with primary care, and some of the more striking initiatives to redesign it. by Dan Diamond, California Healthline Contributing Editor

02/27/2013

How Many States Are Really Opting Into ACA? Devil's in the Details

From Rick Scott to Chris Christie, more governors are changing their minds and opting into the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion, but state legislators are proving a tougher sell -- and in at least eight states, may have the clout to derail an expansion. by Dan Diamond, California Healthline Contributing Editor

02/20/2013

Higher Cost, Inferior Care: Dental Health in Emergency Departments

More people are seeking dental care in emergency departments as dentists turn away Medicaid patients. Does the Affordable Care Act present a solution to this costly trend, or must states look elsewhere? by Matthew Wayt, California Healthline Associate Editor

02/13/2013

Path to Partnership: More States Opt for HHS' Hybrid Exchanges

"Road to Reform" examines why HHS created the partnership insurance exchange model -- and which states are eyeing the hybrid model ahead of this Friday's deadline for participation. by Dan Diamond, California Healthline Contributing Editor

02/06/2013

Obamacare Will Bring Changes -- and Walgreens Wants 'To Fill the Void'

After more than five years of ramping up health services, Walgreens last month took another major step and launched three accountable care organizations. The chain's executives say that it's poised to fill gaps in health care, especially with rising demand brought on by the Affordable Care Act. by Dan Diamond, California Healthline Contributing Editor

01/30/2013

Access Denied? Implications of Medi-Cal Pay Cut

Can you expand Medicaid coverage while cutting provider payments and still preserve access to care? California officials think so, but patient advocates aren't so sure. by Matthew Wayt, California Healthline Associate Editor

01/23/2013

The Premium Conundrum: Do Smokers Get a Fair Break Under Obamacare?

Would you quit smoking if you were charged $4,000 more per year for the habit? Some analysts say that a new measure under the Affordable Care Act is overly punitive for tobacco users, while others suggest it's an overdue approach to take toward smokers. by Dan Diamond, California Healthline Contributing Editor

01/16/2013

Inside Three ACOs: Why California Providers are Opting for the Model

Nine organizations named among the latest round of participants in the Medicare Shared Savings Program will serve patients in the Golden State. Administrators of several new ACOs explain why they joined the program. by Dan Diamond, California Healthline Contributing Editor

01/09/2013

New Year's Resolutions: Tasks for California's Exchange in 2013

California health insurance exchange officials have several significant tasks to accomplish in 2013, including implementing a marketing and outreach program and negotiating with insurers. Will the state be ready to launch the marketplace in 2014? by Matt Wayt, California Healthline Associate Editor

12/12/2012

Five Things To Watch in Health Care in 2013

If 2012 was a high-wire political act, and 2014 will bring a rush of implementation, will next year be an intermission or sprint for health care? Here are five indicators to watch in the coming months. by Dan Diamond, California Healthline Contributing Editor

12/05/2012

Will Firms Cut Jobs -- or Benefits -- Under ACA? Weighing the Evidence

Questions continue to swirl about the Affordable Care Act's effect on employment and health coverage, with critics suggesting that the law will lead to more part-time hiring and supporters arguing that the concerns are overblown. by Dan Diamond, California Healthline Contributing Editor

11/28/2012

Republicans Changing Tune -- but not Shifting Critical Tone -- on Medicaid

A handful of prominent conservatives have dropped their fight against the Affordable Care Act and its Medicaid expansion, but GOP leaders say the program still needs immediate reform. by Dan Diamond, California Healthline Contributing Editor

11/21/2012

What Health Policy Wonks Are 'Thankful' for This Thanksgiving

Supporters of the Affordable Care Act are grateful that the law will survive, while some conservative health policy scholars remain glad that parts of Obamacare can still be delayed. by Dan Diamond, California Healthline Contributing Editor

11/14/2012

Can the GOP Still Stop Obamacare? Let's Count the Ways

The Affordable Care Act has survived, but will it thrive? Republicans can still play a role in working to derail the law's provisions and implementation, although their interest in doing so appears to be dwindling. by Dan Diamond, California Healthline Contributing Editor

11/07/2012

The Second Term: What's Next for Obama's Health Care Agenda

The president's re-election cinches it: The Affordable Care Act will stand. But how the law is implemented -- and which states will opt in -- remains to be settled. by Dan Diamond, California Healthline Contributing Editor