On Monday, April 14, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) convened the first meeting of the Protect Access to Health Care Act Stakeholder Advisory Committee, responsible for advising DHCS on developing and implementing components of Proposition 35. 

The California Medical Association (CMA) co-chaired the coalition that put Prop. 35 before the voters in November 2024. The initiative provides a dedicated, ongoing source of funding to increase access to health care and increase Medi-Cal reimbursement rates.

During the first advisory committee meeting, Linnea Koopmans, Chief Executive Officer of Local Health Plans of California – and a key member of the Prop. 35 coalition – was elected chair of the committee.

Though Prop. 35 was overwhelmingly supported by voters this past November, the state has been slow to begin implementation.

“After three years of work, it’s incredibly rewarding to see Prop. 35 moving from concept to implementation,” said CMA Chief of Staff Janice Rocco, who testified during the meeting.  “Our priority now is to act swiftly—so we can get the 2025 dollars flowing and begin delivering on the promise of meaningful payment reform.”

While this first meeting was largely procedural, the committee has committed to holding its next meeting in May. CMA will remain engaged to ensure physician payment updates are implemented without further delay to make access to care a reality for California’s 15 million Medi-Cal enrollees.