Health care advocates support efforts by the State Legislature that reject the reinstatement of the asset test on our seniors, continue funding for important LGBTQ+ public health grants, and augment state dollars to help with health care affordability for Covered California enrollees However, the Legislature keeps intact the Governor’s framework that continues to balance the […]
Statement from #Health4All Coalition on Legislative Budget Agreement
Progress to Eliminate Exclusions Based on Immigration Status Must Not be Undone Sacramento, CA – The steering committee member organizations of the #Health4All coalition released the following statements in response to the CA Legislature’s announcement of a joint budget deal that keeps intact the Governor’s framework that continues to balance the budget on the back […]
Health Advocates Slam Proposed Cuts to Health Care in May Revised Budget
SACRAMENTO, CA – Following the devastating rollbacks to health care for Californians already announced this morning, Governor Newsom’s full budget proposal included even more bad news for Californians and their health care. Health advocates expressed outrage at the full 2025-2026 state budget plan unveiled today by Governor Gavin Newsom, which would cut key programs and […]
Governor Newsom Vetoes Major Bill on Health Care Mergers Allowing Private Equity Bad Actors to Continue to Flourish
Governor Newsom vetoed AB 3129 (Wood) that would have given Attorney General oversight on certain private equity acquisitions that may be harmful to patients SACRAMENTO, CA – Health care corporations have used their undue influence to yet again put patients in harm’s way by allowing bad actors to continue to interfere in our health care […]
Health Cuts Announced in Governor Newsom’s May Revise Would Hamper Californians’ Access to Care
Due to the state budget deficit, Governor Newsom’s Revised 2024-25 Budget includes proposed health cuts that would prevent Californians from getting needed care. Thousands of Californians with disabilities will have home care services cut off due to their immigration status, resulting in further impoverishment and/or more expensive nursing homes. Millions of Californians on Medi-Cal may […]
Governor Newsom’s 2024-25 Budget Continues California’s Key Commitments in Health Care
Despite a deficit, the 2024-2025 state budget proposed by Governor Gavin Newsom continues key commitments in health care, particularly in Medi-Cal with improvements in rates and access, benefits, quality and equity, and eligibility, and keeping Medi-Cal available for all income-eligible Californians regardless of age or immigration status. As Californians face rising cost-of-living pressures, and higher […]
Bill Signed by Governor Newsom to Permanently Cap Prescription Drug Costs
AB 948 (Berman) keeps expensive prescription drugs more affordable for Californians with chronic illnesses SACRAMENTO, CA – Over the weekend, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 948 by Assemblymember Berman to make permanent the existing $250 co-pay cap for prescription drugs, ensuring consumers can count on their monthly prescription drug costs staying consistent, even […]
CA Governor Gavin Newsom Signs Bill to End Surprise Ambulance Billing for Californians
One of the most impactful health consumer bills this year, AB 716 (Boerner) will prevent Californians from getting $1,000 plus surprise ambulance bills, and take consumers out of the middle of ambulance billing disputes ***Impacted consumer stories available upon request*** SACRAMENTO, CA – Today California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 716 by Assemblymember Tasha […]
Statement on California Distressed Hospital Loan Announcement
SACRAMENTO, CA – Below is a statement from Anthony Wright, Executive Director of Health Access California, the statewide health care consumer advocacy coalition, in response to Governor Newsom’s announcement today to loan $300 million to 17 hospitals throughout the state under the Distressed Hospital Loan Program. “These funds are much appreciated to support the hospitals […]
Statement Responding to Governor Newsom’s CalRX Announcement Saturday
SACRAMENTO, CA – Below is a statement by Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access California, the statewide health care consumer advocacy coalition on Governor Newsom’s CalRx announcement today. Health Access served as the leading supporter of Governor Gavin Newsom’s budget proposal and SB 852, Senator Richard Pan’s related legislation to directly contract to manufacture prescription drugs. […]