Kristen Hwang
CalMattersKristen Hwang is a health reporter for CalMatters, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics, and a JPR news partner.. She covers health care access, abortion and reproductive health, workforce issues, drug costs and emerging public health matters.
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California’s new cap on health care cost increases is regarded as the most aggressive in the nation. It includes potential fines against companies that exceed the limit. -
Pharmacy benefit managers attempt to negotiate cost savings for insurers. California is considering new rules that would require them to pass their discounts on to consumers. -
Kamala Harris has a long record of supporting abortion rights in California. In one case, she launched an investigation into an anti-abortion group that published secretly recorded interviews with Planned Parenthood leaders. -
The health care industry put a measure on the November ballot that would raise more money for Medi-Cal and block lawmakers from spending it on general government services. Billions of dollars are on the line. -
California has greatly expanded protections for abortion care since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. But enforcing the laws can be complicated, and some providers are confused about what’s required of them. -
Medication abortion will remain widely available to Californians after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a bid by anti-abortion groups and doctors to challenge the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the drug. -
California now is one of nine states with regulations limiting health care cost increases (Oregon is another). Consumers won’t necessarily notice the changes, but supporters say they will make a difference over time. -
Medical residents have a grueling job, typically working 60 to 80 hours a week. Now, early-career doctors at several California hospitals are forming unions as they press for better pay and working conditions. -
California bought and distributed a quarter of a million abortion pills, fearing a federal ban. At today’s Supreme Court hearing, the justices seemed hesitant to limit access. -
Recent polls show many Californians were undecided heading into Election Day on Gov. Newsom’s Proposition 1, which would fund new mental health treatment facilities. -
Gov. Gavin Newsom is visiting four cities to drum up support for Prop. 1, a $6.4 billion bond for mental health facilities. Opponents say the state can’t afford the plan. -
All but two California counties are delaying their implementation of a new law that makes it easier for a court to place someone in involuntary confinement if they can’t care for their own medical needs or personal safety.
