The California Medical Association (CMA) is strongly urging the members of the California Congressional Delegation to reject cuts of up to $880 billion in Medicaid funding being proposed. These severe cuts are a direct threat to the well-being of 15 million Californians including children, seniors, the disabled, pregnant women, veterans and low-income working families who rely on Medicaid for essential health care. 

CMA urges physicians and patients to join us in opposing these draconian cuts, and urging your members of Congress to do the same. Click here to send a letter to your Representative today explaining how important this funding is to the health and well-being of millions of Californians – your patients. 

Background 

 For decades Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program) has provided essential health care services and economic security for our patients, and it must be protected.  Medi-Cal serves nearly 38% of the state’s population, including half of all children, and provides vital access to primary and preventive care. It reduces health care costs by keeping people out of emergency rooms and hospitals, supports families by providing care at home for the disabled and seniors. Medi-Cal also sustains rural hospitals and health care jobs, which are particularly crucial in rural communities.

The current proposals would slash Medicaid funding by reducing federal Medicaid matching funds, establishing per capita caps that end the guarantee of Medicaid, and eliminating the managed care organization and provider levies, disproportionately harming California’s rural and at-risk communities and rural areas across America that are dependent on Medicaid.

The proposed $550-$880 billion in cuts would shift the financial burden to hospitals and physicians, may result in the closure of more hospitals and their services along with physician practices making it more difficult for physicians to care for patients.  

Ultimately, the proposed Medicaid cuts amount to an added tax burden on all Californians, as newly uninsured patients are forced to forego vital preventive care and instead end up in emergency rooms and hospitals with more costly, difficult-to-treat conditions — leading to higher health care costs for everyone.

We have made great strides in California to provide affordable health care coverage and improve access to physicians, dentists, community clinics, ambulance providers, efficient Medi-Cal managed care plans, and hospitals, including rural, critical access, and children’s hospitals. CMA urges you to join us in demanding that Congress reject Medicaid cuts that threaten the health and well-being of all Americans.

Click here to help stop the Medicaid cut.