Budget 2016-2017 and earlier

Ensuring Investments in Public Health and Reform Implementation

The California state budget is a reflection of the state’s values and priorities—and Health Access seeks to ensure that it includes all needed investments in health for all our residents. The 2015-16 budget process begins in January with the unveiling of the Governor’s budget priorities for the coming year.

The California Health and Human Services Agency is among the largest areas funded by the state budget – second only to elementary and secondary education. The Medi-Cal program is the largest single program operated directly by the State of California, and Health and Human Services take up about one-third of the state’s general fund. Health programs such as Medi-Cal, Access for Infants and Mothers (AIM), Managed Risk Medical Insurance Program (MRMIP), are an integral part of our health care system, providing cost-effective health care coverage to twelve million Californians—a third of California’s population.

These health programs provide a vital link for Californians who would not otherwise be able to afford health coverage and health care on their own. When the state’s fiscal outlook grew dim, health programs were often among the first targets because of their sheer size in the state budget. But it is when the economy is bad that these programs are needed most. During hard times, Californians lose jobs, income, and whichever benefits they may have had. To get back on their feet they need access to vital health care programs, and these programs should be fully funded to meet that need.

Health Access continues to fight to keep these programs whole through hard times and to invest in them where it makes sense to do so or where there are significant returns on the taxpayers’ investment.

Health Access Analysis (2016/17 and earlier)

 

Other Resources