Pauline Bartolone

For a small percentage of people who smoke marijuana, long-term use can make them sick with violent vomiting. California doctors worry they'll see more cases when pot is fully legalized in January.

Some constituents of Rep. Kevin McCarthy who favor the law, or rely on it, see a conflict between his stated goals as a national leader and the needs of so many people in his home district.

New workplace health rules in California would go beyond existing safety standards by requiring private health care facilities to develop specific plans to mitigate risks of violence against workers.

The company's lobbying of state legislatures is just one factor in EpiPen's dominance of the market. Manufacturers of competing devices have struggled to gain a foothold.

After two years of moderate rate hikes, a double-digit increase in the cost of insurance premiums in California is likely to resonate across the U.S. in the debate about the benefits of Obamacare.

Healthcare.gov accepts any insurance plan on its marketplace that complies with minimum standards. It's now considering strengthening those standards, and it's looking to California to see how.

Private insurers billed California $387.5 million to treat just 3,624 patients with new medications for hepatitis C. The people are covered by the state's Medicaid program.

A measure that would require more children to get vaccinated is moving ahead in the California Legislature. Though the state saw a large measles outbreak this year, final passage may be tough.

Many Christian denominations officially oppose legislation that would legalize medically assisted suicide. But some individual churches, pastors and congregants are lending support to the cause.

When Blue Shield of California stopped selling individual health policies in many zip codes in 2014, even insurance agents were surprised. Blue Shield says it dropped out to keep premiums low.