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Forty-seven California counties have provided health care to more than 335,000 people through the “Bridge to Reform” program. San Luis Obispo is a case study in one county that has decided not to participate.
When it comes to health care in California, low cost is not the first thing that comes to mind. But it turns out that the Golden State spends less than most others on health care.
That’s according to a new report that shows California’s per-capita spending on health care is the ninth lowest in the nation.
Humboldt County is a beautiful far northern California county with depressingly bad health statistics. It is not alone. A close look at the state's health statistics show it is joined by two other northern counties to form a triangle of health misery.
COVER STORY
The needle kisses Joan Kloh’s skin, and she is about to inject the meth it offers into her weather-beaten, twisted rope of an arm. She is with street “friends,” who have joined her in feeding various addictions through each doorway of a derelict house. She thumbs down on the plunger in shameful anticipation. But it does not break through. Her hide is too thick, though she jabs again and again at the craving vein.
Since February, reports from the CHCF Center for Health Reporting and The Sacramento Bee have painted a grim picture of low-income children waiting for months or even years to see a dentist in Sacramento. And now some state lawmakers are calling for immediate action.
FEATURED VIDEO
The call comes in and, for the 10th, 12th, or 20th time, paramedics take a middle-aged man from the streets to the ER. Such frequent users cost the emergency medical system millions, yet don't get the help they need.
Download the free iBook for your iPad here »
Part 1: The problem
Part 2: The streets
Part 3: The emergency room
Part 4: A new model
Part 5: Frequent Users - Joan Kloh
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