Months of negotiations among the state’s top health care players have ended in a plan to pump billions into Medicaid and struggling hospitals.
The complex agreement, reported by POLITICO for the first time, resolves a sticking point in budget talks that lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom have been working to resolve by June 30. | Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesSACRAMENTO, Calif.
After federal funds are factored in, the state will be able to spend north of $35 billion, said Jennifer Kent, a former administration official who helped the coalition propose a structure for the tax.“We’re trying to serve a Medi-Cal program that’s the size of some states’ total population,” said Linnea Koopmans, CEO of the Local Health Plans of California, who was part of the coalition. “It takes an investment of this magnitude to have a meaningful impact.
“There was a lot of sausage making,” Corcoran said. “It’s not always pleasant or fun, but we landed in a spot we can be really proud of.” At one point, the Newsom administration wanted the bulk of the money to go into the general budget to fund existing priorities in Medi-Cal, like expanding the program to eligible undocumented immigrants. In May, he outlined a plan to boost reimbursement rates for some specialties, balance the budget and stash the rest of the money away to be doled out over the course of several years.
“Instead of just coming to the Legislature for our individual needs, this is a way to really look at things in a more holistic way for patients,” said Jodi Hicks, the CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California and the vice-chair of the coalition.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Human remains found in California mountain area where actor Julian Sands disappeared 5 months agoHikers have found human remains in a Southern California mountain area where actor Julian Sands disappeared five months ago.
Read more »
Federal Judge Blocks Florida’s Ban on Providing Gender-Affirming Care to Trans Residents on MedicaidA federal judge in Florida has overturned a state law and executive branch administrative action that barred the use of Medicaid funds to pay for gender-affirming health care for transgender residents.
Read more »
Pritzker urged to reverse Medicaid changes that threaten healthcare access for undocumented immigrantsLast week, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services announced changes to Medicaid coverage that have sparked outrage and concern among many.
Read more »
Despite changes, nearly half of calls to Cuyahoga County about SNAP, Medicaid still go unanswered“It didn’t matter if we called in the morning or the afternoon,” said Penni Meredith, whose application took three months to process. “There was no one who could answer the phone.” Why is this such a difficult process?
Read more »
Starting in July, Coloradans will be able to ride transit for free for 2 monthsColorado's Free Fare for Better Air initiative will run throughout July and August, meaning people will be able to jump on buses and local transit without needing to purchase a ticket.
Read more »
Streaming Services Now Have Six Months to Reconcile Songwriter, Publisher Royalties for 2018-2022The Copyright Royalty Board issued its final determination for Phonorecords III, setting a countdown to to rectify now-incorrect payments for the last five years.
Read more »