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Medi Cal

All articles tagged with #medi cal

California hospice fraud crackdown: 21 charged in $267 million Medi-Cal scheme
crime2 days ago

California hospice fraud crackdown: 21 charged in $267 million Medi-Cal scheme

California’s Department of Justice and state agencies arrested five people as part of Operation Skip Trace in a crackdown on a hospice fraud ring that allegedly billed Medi-Cal for about $267 million while providing no real hospice services; 21 suspects face charges including conspiracy, healthcare fraud, money laundering and identity theft, with investigations ongoing into hundreds of hospices. A related federal case in April charged eight people with more than $50 million in fraud.

Orange County Man Pleads Guilty in $270 Million Medi-Cal Fraud Scheme Tied to Monte Vista Pharmacy
healthcare3 days ago

Orange County Man Pleads Guilty in $270 Million Medi-Cal Fraud Scheme Tied to Monte Vista Pharmacy

An Orange County man pleaded guilty to leading a scheme that billed Medi-Cal from May 2022 to April 2023 for expensive, often unnecessary drugs via Monte Vista Pharmacy, totaling nearly $270 million with about $178 million paid; funds were laundered and kickbacks were used, and he faces a statutory maximum of 30 years in prison at sentencing on August 3.

Aging Teeth, Broken System: Why Senior Dental Care Breaks the Bank
health-and-wellness1 month ago

Aging Teeth, Broken System: Why Senior Dental Care Breaks the Bank

Through a personal toothache, the columnist shows that Medicare barely covers senior dental care and Medi-Cal reimbursements are limited, leaving many 65+ with high out-of-pocket costs, long delays, or no care at all; some travel to Mexico or Costa Rica for cheaper implants and crowns, while policy debates threaten to slash Medi-Cal funding, worsening access and driving preventable emergencies.

Fall COVID Vaccination Challenges and Updates
health7 months ago

Fall COVID Vaccination Challenges and Updates

Experts warn that vaccine access and coverage this year will be complicated due to potential changes in federal vaccine recommendations, especially affecting Medi-Cal beneficiaries over 21, with private insurance plans likely to continue coverage. The situation may lead to unequal access, particularly impacting lower-income groups, as vaccine approval and distribution processes adapt to evolving federal guidelines and vaccine formulations.

California GOP Congressman Faces Boos and Jeers Over Trump at Town Hall
politics8 months ago

California GOP Congressman Faces Boos and Jeers Over Trump at Town Hall

During his first in-person town hall in years, Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa faced a hostile crowd in Chico, California, who booed and heckled him over his support for a Trump-era budget bill that cuts federal spending on healthcare programs like Medicaid and Medi-Cal, with attendees accusing him of supporting legislation that would harm vulnerable populations. LaMalfa defended his vote, claiming the bill targets waste rather than people, while the crowd expressed strong opposition and concern over healthcare and immigration issues.

Gov. Newsom Proposes Asset Test for Low-Income Medi-Cal Applicants
politics10 months ago

Gov. Newsom Proposes Asset Test for Low-Income Medi-Cal Applicants

California Governor Gavin Newsom proposes reinstating an 'asset test' for low-income and disabled Medi-Cal applicants, which could lead to eligibility restrictions and cost savings, but faces criticism from disability advocates who warn it could harm vulnerable populations and increase long-term costs. The proposal aims to address rising healthcare expenses by reintroducing asset limits, including home and vehicle values, starting in 2026.

Impending Medi-Cal Coverage Loss Threatens Thousands of L.A. County and Southern California Residents
healthcare2 years ago

Impending Medi-Cal Coverage Loss Threatens Thousands of L.A. County and Southern California Residents

Thousands of Los Angeles County residents may lose their Medi-Cal coverage as pandemic rules expire, requiring individuals to submit paperwork to prove eligibility. L.A. Care, a publicly operated health plan, estimates that 40,000 residents could be removed from the program. Failure to submit the necessary paperwork could result in discontinuation of Medi-Cal coverage. This rollback has already led to 1.5 million people nationwide losing Medicaid.

California's $19 Billion Investment in Health Care Programs.
health-care2 years ago

California's $19 Billion Investment in Health Care Programs.

California's health care industry has reached a deal on how to spend $19 billion in proceeds of a renewed tax on insurance plans plus the federal funds that go with it. The agreement would impose a tax on health care plans in what those involved described as a once-in-a-generation investment into a system that serves nearly 16 million Californians. It would be the largest-ever investment in Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid system. The deal includes money to bolster struggling hospitals, ease workforce shortages and entice more specialists to see Medi-Cal patients.