In an effort to slow the proliferation of synthetic opioid-related deaths, California will begin offering free fentanyl-testing strips to eligible organizations across the state that ask for them, the state Department of Health Care Services announced Thursday. The tests will be made available through the state’s Naloxone Distribution Project, a network of organizations that ships… Continue reading California is making fentanyl test strips free to organizations. How to get a kit
Tag: California
A California ER charged wildly different prices for the same care on the same day
The Kaiser Family Foundation recently reported that the annual cost of family health insurance jumped to nearly $24,000 this year, the greatest increase in a decade. While insurance executives and employers may cite a plethora of reasons, one of the chief culprits is lack of oversight over the Wild West of healthcare prices. My friend… Continue reading A California ER charged wildly different prices for the same care on the same day
California bill paves way for psychedelic therapy
SACRAMENTO — The movement to legalize psychedelics in California appears to be entering a new phase, with a focus on incremental steps to permit the drugs in therapeutic settings following failed efforts to pass more sweeping change. An initiative that sought to ask voters to decriminalize so-called magic mushrooms and products containing psilocybin failed to qualify… Continue reading California bill paves way for psychedelic therapy
Bipartisan support for California Prop. 1 on mental health
Gov. Gavin Newsom has an unusual ally in his Proposition 1 ballot measure to boost funding for mental health: an outspoken Donald Trump supporter and Kern County lawmaker who co-chaired the committee that led the failed 2021 recall effort against the governor. State Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) in September voted to place Newsom’s plan on… Continue reading Bipartisan support for California Prop. 1 on mental health
California could require workplaces to stock naloxone
A new bill would require California workplaces to stock their first-aid kits with a nasal spray that can prevent opioid overdoses, greatly expanding the range of locations that have the lifesaving medication on hand. Naloxone, commonly sold under the brand name Narcan, can halt a deadly overdose if administered promptly. When the medicine reaches the… Continue reading California could require workplaces to stock naloxone
California Proposition 1 election voter guide: Gov. Newsom’s mental health plan
Proposition 1 is the linchpin to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s solution to California’s homelessness and mental health crisis. The measure asks voters to approve major changes to the state’s 20-year-old Mental Health Services Act to better serve Californians with substance use disorders. A “yes” vote on the measure would also approve a $6.4-billion bond to build… Continue reading California Proposition 1 election voter guide: Gov. Newsom’s mental health plan
Opinion: This California millionaire is peddling eternal life. Why do people believe him?
For a moment, I fell under the spell of Bryan Johnson. Bathed in early-morning sunlight, the 46-year-old L.A.-based tech centimillionaire and longevity celebrity didn’t look much younger than his age, although he claims to have the wrinkles of a 10-year-old and organs that are several years younger than his lifespan. We were standing at the… Continue reading Opinion: This California millionaire is peddling eternal life. Why do people believe him?
Bill aims to legalize psychedelic-assisted therapy in California
SACRAMENTO — After a failed attempt to decriminalize a short list of psychedelics last year, state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) is reintroducing legislation to make California the third state to legalize psychedelic-assisted therapy for adults. Gov. Gavin Newsom in October vetoed a similar bill, urging state lawmakers to first take steps toward creating regulated treatment… Continue reading Bill aims to legalize psychedelic-assisted therapy in California
California single-payer healthcare faces doubts from Democratic leader
SACRAMENTO — California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas cast doubt on the latest proposal to create a state-run single-payer healthcare system, saying he likes the idea but isn’t convinced the state can afford it in the face of a budget shortfall of at least $38 billion. “The concept of single-payer and expanding access and affordability are good… Continue reading California single-payer healthcare faces doubts from Democratic leader
Opinion: California wants to make your healthcare less expensive
Californians have racked up billions of dollars in medical debt. Two years ago, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature granted authority to a new agency, the Office of Health Care Affordability, to rein in health costs that were racing ahead of residents’ ability to pay. But this effort is in danger of being watered down… Continue reading Opinion: California wants to make your healthcare less expensive