Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program News Today

Having a baby ought to be a joyous time, not one spent worrying about finding a midwife or paying a large co-payment.

California has a child birth crisis. On Feb. 15, California State Auditor Grant Parks released a review of the state’s Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program, which helps reduce the percentage of babies born with low birth weights. Weights under 5 pounds 8 ounces are considered too low. The audit found the percentage of such births jumped from 6.7% in 2014 to 7.3% in 2021, affecting about 30,000 infants.

In rural Arkansas, access to healthcare can be a distant dream - literally - as almost 60 counties in the state do not have enough providers to serve their populations. A new initiative with the Health Resources and Services Administration is working to improve access in these areas, through telehealth. Heather Dimeris, director, Office for the Advancement of Telehealth at the Health Resources and Services Administration, said delivering care remotely online fills a crucial gap. ...

Californias medical aid-in-dying law is back in court. Three patients with disabilities and two doctors are asking to intervene in a lawsuit challenging the law - and they want the judge to dismiss the suit. In April, a coalition of disability rights groups and people with disabilities sued to stop the End of Life Option Act, claiming it is discriminatory and "coerces" people with disabilities into using medical aid in dying. ...

Health care advocates are urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign four bills aiming to lower medical bills, improve transparency, and make health care more accessible. Assembly Bill 665 would allow minors over age 12 to use Medi-Cal benefits for treatment they consent to on their own, while still allowing providers to involve a parent or guardian when appropriate. ...

Open enrollment begins soon for employer-sponsored health insurance for coverage starting Jan 1. Most people will have multiple options to choose from. Some are complex, so now is the time to do your research. ...

GRACE & ECPCA praise budget that protects and makes key progress, calls for bold vision of revenues and investments needed to end child poverty

Senator Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita and Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, D-Chatsworth, released their thoughts Thursday on the 2023-24 budget.

Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo has released a statement on the passing of the state of California 2023-24 budget that includes funding for two of the bills she had passed during her first year in the Assembly.

California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo has announced the introduction of AB 608, aimed at supporting women, newborns and families in the first year after childbirth.