SACRAMENTO — California could become the only state to let adult children add their parents as dependents to their health insurance plans, a policy proposal aimed at increasing insurance coverage among low-income people living in the country illegally who aren't eligible for government-funded coverage. Former President Barack Obama's health law...
Newsom Signs Law to Grow Mental Health Coverage
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law on Friday that for the first time in California defines “medical necessity," a move aimed at requiring private health insurance plans to pay for more mental health and drug addiction treatments. State and federal laws already require health insurance companies to handle...
Injuries at Fresno’s Amazon Warehouse Are Triple Industry Average
Amanda Caballero wishes she could go back to work at Amazon. She made $15 an hour at the Fresno fulfillment center — several dollars more than the state’s minimum wage — and received more than three months of paid maternity leave. Her generous health insurance package covered her husband and...
Watch New 2020 Law #7: Health Insurance About to Be Mandatory in California
By Byrhonda Lyons, CalMatters In 2020, California will make health insurance mandatory — and charge a tax people to people without. For people who lack it now, there’s an upside: The state also will began giving subsidies to those who don’t qualify for assistance through the federal Obamacare program. In 2018,...
Lyft, Uber Will Ask California Voters to Block New Law
SACRAMENTO — Some of the country's largest ride-sharing companies announced a ballot initiative Tuesday that would let them continue to treat drivers as independent contractors while also guaranteeing them a minimum wage and money for health insurance. The Legislature enacted AB 5 this year requiring ride-sharing companies to treat drivers...
Sanders Set to Mount Vigorous Defense of 'Medicare for All'
WASHINGTON — Bernie Sanders will vigorously defend his signature "Medicare for All" proposal on Wednesday and hit back at his critics who say his push amounts to both bad politics and bad policy. The Vermont senator also will pledge to reject campaign donations from health insurance and pharmaceutical industry executives, lobbyists and...
911 Upgrade Could Cost Californians Despite Budget Surplus
SACRAMENTO — A $214.8 billion budget approved Thursday by California lawmakers would upgrade the state's aging 911 system following the most devastating wildfire season in state history and help middle class families pay their monthly health insurance premiums. To fund those changes, however, lawmakers want to impose a new monthly...
California Lawmakers OK $213 Billion Budget. Here's What's Inside.
SACRAMENTO — California lawmakers on Thursday approved a $214.8 billion operating budget, sending the plan to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk with a focus on expanding access to health insurance while spending billions of new money on homelessness and housing. Newsom will have 12 days to review the bill and is...
Stable Costs May Shift 'Obamacare' Politics
WASHINGTON — After two years of double-digit premium hikes, millions of people covered under the Affordable Care Act will see only modest increases next year, according to an exclusive analysis that highlights the changing politics of health care heading into the midterm elections. The consulting firm Avalere Health and The...
California 'Obamacare' Premiums To Rise 8.7 Percent in 2019
SACRAMENTO — Monthly health insurance premiums sold under former President Barack Obama's health care law will rise by an average of 8.7 percent in 2019, less than the double-digit increases seen in each of the past two years and in other states. The boost would be closer to 5 percent...