California’s no-bid contract with Kaiser triggers concerns

State health officials have proposed a no-bid contract that will allow Kaiser Permanente to expand its Medi-Cal coverage area, triggering anger from other health insurance plans and questions from a key legislator. The proposed contract, which would begin in 2024, allows Kaiser Permanente to skip a bidding process required for other commercial insurers to participate in Medi-Cal, the state’s health insurance program for low-income residents