Health

Government agencies can overrule an insurance company's denial of coverage for a medically necessary mental health treatment, but figuring out how to appeal can be complicated.

The strike is the second one in a little more than two years by California mental health workers at Kaiser Permanente. The last one lasted 10 weeks. Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters

The strike would be the second one in a little more than two years by California mental health workers at Kaiser Permanente. The clock is ticking to avoid a walkout.

A California ballot measure would dedicate tax revenue to pay doctors more if they see low-income patients with Medi-Cal insurance. Its critics worry the plan could run afoul of the federal government.

Some stem cell clinics market treatments that have been tested and approved by the FDA. A new court ruling emphasizes that the federal government can regulate the services.

A California minimum wage law that was delayed amid budget troubles is now set to go into effect Oct. 16. It’s expected to benefit hundreds of thousands of workers.

More than 50 California hospitals stopped delivering babies in the past decade, limiting maternity care options in both rural and urban communities.

In vitro fertilization treatments often cost tens of thousands of dollars, making them too expensive for families whose insurance won't cover them.

Certain synthetic food dyes are linked to behavioral issues in kids. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law to ban them in school snacks by 2028.

Folic acid is so important to infant health that it's required to be added to cereal and bread. A new California law ensures it'll be in tortillas.