All articles tagged with #medi cal
California's budget outlook has worsened from a surplus to an $18 billion deficit due to unforeseen costs like wildfires, Medi-Cal expenses, and federal policy impacts, with projections indicating ongoing deficits and potential structural issues requiring revenue increases or cuts.
As California prepares for federal Medicaid funding cuts and policy shifts, a new commission led by former health officials is developing a 10-year plan to sustain and improve Medi-Cal, which covers over 14 million low-income residents, amid concerns about access, costs, and program growth.
Experts warn that vaccine access and coverage this year will be complicated due to potential changes in federal vaccine recommendations, especially affecting Medi-Cal beneficiaries over 21, with private insurance plans likely to continue coverage. The situation may lead to unequal access, particularly impacting lower-income groups, as vaccine approval and distribution processes adapt to evolving federal guidelines and vaccine formulations.
During his first in-person town hall in years, Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa faced a hostile crowd in Chico, California, who booed and heckled him over his support for a Trump-era budget bill that cuts federal spending on healthcare programs like Medicaid and Medi-Cal, with attendees accusing him of supporting legislation that would harm vulnerable populations. LaMalfa defended his vote, claiming the bill targets waste rather than people, while the crowd expressed strong opposition and concern over healthcare and immigration issues.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a budget that reduces healthcare benefits for undocumented immigrants to address a $12 billion deficit, including halting new enrollment in Medi-Cal and eliminating dental care for noncitizens, amid political and economic pressures.
California Governor Gavin Newsom proposes reinstating an 'asset test' for low-income and disabled Medi-Cal applicants, which could lead to eligibility restrictions and cost savings, but faces criticism from disability advocates who warn it could harm vulnerable populations and increase long-term costs. The proposal aims to address rising healthcare expenses by reintroducing asset limits, including home and vehicle values, starting in 2026.
Thousands of Los Angeles County residents may lose their Medi-Cal coverage as pandemic rules expire, requiring individuals to submit paperwork to prove eligibility. L.A. Care, a publicly operated health plan, estimates that 40,000 residents could be removed from the program. Failure to submit the necessary paperwork could result in discontinuation of Medi-Cal coverage. This rollback has already led to 1.5 million people nationwide losing Medicaid.
California's health care industry has reached a deal on how to spend $19 billion in proceeds of a renewed tax on insurance plans plus the federal funds that go with it. The agreement would impose a tax on health care plans in what those involved described as a once-in-a-generation investment into a system that serves nearly 16 million Californians. It would be the largest-ever investment in Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid system. The deal includes money to bolster struggling hospitals, ease workforce shortages and entice more specialists to see Medi-Cal patients.