Last Friday, June 8th, the 2018-2019 Budget deal was released and makes no new health care investments, despite two years of discussion about universal coverage in both the Assembly and in the Senate, and a multi-billion dollar surplus. The only thing included in the budget is a commission to discuss a pathway to universal coverage. California’s […] Read More
Budget
Senate Budget Subcommittee Approves Key Expansions to Medi-Cal, Setting Up Budget Negotiations on Health Investments
May 21, 2018On Thursday, May 17th the California Senate Budget Subcommittee on Health & Human Services voted on a proposal that would expand access to Medi-Cal for low-income seniors, restores important Medi-Cal benefits, and increases funding for preventative services. Most notably, the Senate invested $225 million to cover undocumented adults, age 65 and over, in Medi-Cal. This […] Read More
Governor Brown Releases May Revision of 2018-19 #CABudget
May 14, 2018On Friday May 11th, Governor Jerry Brown released his proposed May Revision to the state’s 2018-19 budget, which continues California’s commitment to implement and improve on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), but still leaves around 2.8 million without coverage, and more Californians struggling to afford care. The Governor did not include any new health investments […] Read More
California Assembly Prioritizes $1 Billion in New Health Care Investments to Improve Access and Affordability
May 8, 2018With the support of many California community and consumer advocates, on May 7th, California Assemblymembers endorsed a plan to expand Medi-Cal coverage and increase affordability assistance to those purchasing health plans through Covered California and the individual insurance market, taking a major step towards bringing the state closer to a more universal and affordable health […] Read More
Proposed Trump Budget Would Cut Health Care Well Beyond ACA Repeal
February 12, 2018On February 12, 2018 President Trump released his proposed federal budget for the next fiscal year, which would dramatically cut our nation’s health care system, and especially in California. The budget goes beyond ACA repeal in cutting and capping Medicaid, endorsing last year’s Graham-Cassidy proposal where California was disproportionally and intentionally singled out for harsher […] Read More
Senate and Assembly Budget Committees Look for Investments in Healthcare and Social Services, Among Other Priorities
January 25, 2018The Senate and Assembly Committees on Budget and Fiscal Review each held informational hearings on the Governor’s 2018-2019 Proposed Budget, providing a general overview for the public. These hearings kick off the 2018 budget committee process in the Legislature. The proposed state budget includes $131.7 billion in general fund spending compared to last year’s budget […] Read More
Governor Brown Releases 2018-2019 #CABudget
January 11, 2018On January 10, 2018, California Governor Jerry Brown released his 2018-19 proposed State Budget, which includes $131.7 billion in general fund spending and continues California’s commitments to implementing and improving upon the Affordable Care Act. Health advocates are urging the Governor and the Legislature to continue support for Medi-Cal and make investments to cover the […] Read More
A very big day to health care, including the Senate delay…
June 28, 2017It was a big, big day in health care: * The vote for the Senate #BCRA #Trumpcare bill was delayed! * Governor Brown signed the #CABudget which finally fully restores #DentiCal. * Key bills on prescription drug prices #SB17 & #SB790 pass Assembly Health Committee. * Monterey County expands its #Health4All pilot program for undocumented immigrants. Of course, the biggest headline was that Senate […] Read More
Update on #CABudget: Deal Restores Medi-Cal Benefits & Increases Provider Rates, but Lacks Eligibility Expansions
June 13, 2017CA budget deal includes targeted improvements in Medi-Cal reimbursements needed for dental, family planning, and other health providers, but consumer advocates disappointed in lack of any eligibility expansions in Medi-Cal, including to cover undocumented young adults
Legislature Makes Medi-Cal Investments, Including #Health4All Young Adults, Dental, Etc.
May 24, 2017On Thursday, the Assembly Budget Committee is slated to vote on key budget proposals for the state’s 2017-18 Budget, including investments for the Medi-Cal program that covers over 14 million Californians, using revenues raised from Proposition 56 tobacco tax approved by voters last year. With some differences, the Assembly action mirrors action Tuesday by […] Read More