Tanya W. Spirtos, M.D., president of the California Medical Association (CMA), issued the following statement in response to the passage of the 2024-25 budget and accompanying health budget trailer bill:

“The state has long underfunded the Medi-Cal system, which currently provides coverage to 15 million Californians, including half of our state’s children. Even in tough budget times, it is deeply disappointing that most of the new revenue previously committed to increasing access to care for the most vulnerable among us won’t be used to strengthen the Medi-Cal system in this budget year. As physicians, we know the very real health consequences patients face when access to care is delayed, when we cannot find a specialist who can see our patient, or when the only option for care is the closest emergency room. We will continue to fight for the investment in Medi-Cal necessary to provide equitable access to care for all Californians."