Healthcare Systems & Policy

One consistent memory I have from reporting on California’s mental health system for low-income children is repeatedly asking myself, “Why is this so hard?”

The tide of ER visits rose in Southern California after Obamacare became law, growing about 27 percent from 2010 to 2016.

A new study looking at survival rates of black, Hispanic and white children finds that racial disparities for some cancers can actually be explained by socioeconomic status.

The Sacramento Bee’s Angela Hart shares how she got a handle on a huge story: the potential move to single-payer health care in the nation’s most populous state.

Many people who should remain eligible for Medicaid — because they’re working or qualify for an exemption — will also lose coverage, says CBPP's Judith Solomon.

The state is way ahead of the pack when it comes to publicly reporting the experiences of Medicaid patients.

“There’s real hope that help is on the way,” health workforce researcher Edward Salsberg said.

Due to lack of funding and stigma, law enforcement is often on the front lines for mental health crises and the aftermath of suicides in California's Mendocino County.

Stories of absurd bills have been great for boosting awareness, but the next batch needs to take a harder look at the politics halting change, writes Trudy Lieberman.

All reporting beats have learning curves, but covering health care is an especially tough assignment. Riddled with acronyms, thickets of policy and fast-changing politics, the beat is full of challenges. That’s true whether you’re covering a local hospital merger, rising premiums, or the latest twis