PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Revisions and Revulsions

Last month Governor Gavin Newsom dropped the proposed May Revision to the 2024-25 state budget, and there were some disappointments. The long-overdue Medi-Cal provider rate increases that we all battled to get, the Governor's latest proposal would divert those funds elsewhere to tackle the budget deficit.

As healthcare providers, it's important for us to speak up and protect these investments in healthcare. SSVMS, the California Medical Association (CMA), and the Coalition to Protect Access to Care have been hustling to get the Protect Access to Healthcare Act on the November 2024 ballot. Passing this initiative would make sure the Managed Care Organization (MCO) tax sticks around, funneling funds back into Medi-Cal.

It's crucial to pass the November ballot measure to protect the budget agreement made last year and guarantee the ongoing rise in Medi-Cal provider rates on January 1, 2025. In the coming months, SSVMS and CMA will continue speaking with lawmakers and the Governor to push for the retention of these vital healthcare investments.

In this era of hyper-partisanship and gridlock, this initiative is so common sense that it's been endorsed by BOTH the California Democratic Party and the California Republican Party.

Our collective voice matters in keeping healthcare accessible for all Californians, especially now.

For more info and updates on the Protect Access to Healthcare Act, check out CMA’s informational page here.

Thank you! 

Vanessa Walker, DO

SSVMS President

SSV MEDICINE MAGAZINE

FEATURED ARTICLE

What I Wish I Knew

By Christina Bilyeu, MD

Physician Pop Poll