Members of the Los Angeles County Medical Association (LACMA) and the California Medical Association (CMA) were recently briefed on a significant ballot initiative slated for November 2024. This initiative, garnering bipartisan support, has secured the necessary signatures to qualify for the statewide ballot, promises to substantially impact physician practices across California and expand access to health care for millions of residents.
This initiative builds upon the historic investments made by the Governor and Legislature earlier this year, which allocated additional funding to the Medi-Cal program.
The ballot measure would permanently channel managed care organization (MCO) tax revenue to Medi-Cal providers such as hospitals, physicians, women’s health and community clinics, and health centers.
Passage of the ballot measure is essential to safeguarding the Managed Care Organization (MCO) budget deal negotiated last year. Once approved by the voters, this ballot measure will make new, permanent investments in Medi-Cal starting in 2025 and leverage billions in federal dollars that will help to improve access to critical health care services.
Key Aspects of the Protect Access to Healthcare Initiative
The Protect Access to Healthcare Initiative aims to enhance the accessibility and affordability of healthcare services for all Californians, underscoring the pivotal role of physicians in realizing this vision. Notably, this measure will achieve these goals without raising taxes on individuals. Instead, it will leverage federal funds to improve access to essential healthcare services.
Specific Provisions of the Initiative
Targeted Rate Increases: The initiative proposes targeted rate increases for primary and specialty care, facilitating easier access for Medi-Cal patients to physicians.
Graduate Medical Education Funding: It includes funding for creating more residency slots, establishing new residency programs, and providing loan repayment options for those who commit to treating Medi-Cal patients.
Preventive Health Care Expansion: By expanding access to preventive health care for Medi-Cal patients, the initiative aims to reduce costly emergency room visits and shorten wait times for all Californians.
Increased Mental Health Funding: It allocates increased funding for mental health services, including in-patient care.
Affordable Prescription Drugs: The initiative supports California’s efforts to manufacture its own insulin and other prescription drugs, significantly reducing current costs.
Workforce Expansion: It seeks to expand education and training programs to create a robust pipeline of physicians and other healthcare providers, addressing shortages in underserved areas.
Importance for Californians
This initiative is crucial for ensuring that the 15 million Californians dependent on Medi-Cal have access to necessary care. Equally important is the initiative’s potential to reduce emergency room wait times, increase mental health funding statewide, and lower the cost of life-saving prescription drugs.
Call to Action for Physicians
The engagement and support of California’s physicians will be vital in advancing this initiative. In the coming weeks and months, we will provide opportunities for you to participate in outreach and education efforts. Your involvement is essential for the success of this initiative.
For more information and to stay updated on the progress of the Protect Access to Healthcare Initiative, please visit accesstohealthcareca.com.
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