California is expanding its Medicaid programs to include housing services for low-income and ill individuals, in response to increasing homelessness. These services range from rent payment assistance to help in finding apartments. However, some experts question the efficiency of this approach given the limited healthcare funds.
UCSF Health is planning to acquire two San Francisco community hospitals, St. Mary’s Medical Center and Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, from Dignity Health by the end of March. The deal, worth $100 million, is nearing completion. In related news, a disagreement between UC Health and insurer Anthem Blue Cross has been resolved, ensuring that over half a million Californians will not have to change doctors, health plans, or pay higher out-of-network fees.
Covered California, the state’s health insurance marketplace, has extended its open enrollment deadline to February 9, 2024, due to high enrollment rates and demand. The coverage will start from February 1, 2024. In other news, Mad River Community Hospital and Southwest Healthcare Services have ceased their sale discussions. The hospital had previously announced a potential acquisition by Southwest Healthcare.