One of the proposed Assembly bills would put back the 10 percent cut made to Medi-Cal physician payments in the 2011 budget.
The other measure would extend the deadline for the Affordable Care Act provision that boosted Medi-Cal physician reimbursements. Assembly member Doctor Richard Pan says letting those payments expire would a big blow to Medi-Cal.
“Unfortunately it’s going to be difficult to get primary care physicians to take on new Medi-Cal patients now because what they’re seeing is that they rates will drop at the end of this year,” says Pan.
The other half of Pan’s bill would set up an annual independent assessment of how Medi-Cal reimbursement rates affect the quality of care for low income Californians.
The state office of Health Care Services declined to comment on the pending legislation, but the Brown Administration has opposed increases to the Medi-Cal reimbursement rate in the past.
Related Stories
California Genetically Modified Food Labeling Bill Passes Senate Committee
Tuesday, April 22, 2014Any genetically modified food product sold in California would have to come labeled as such under a bill that passed a state Senate committee Tuesday.
California Advocates Urge State "Vigilance" to Ensure Care for New Medi-Cal Patients
Monday, April 21, 2014California health advocates want tight state oversight of health plans to ensure Medi-Cal patients get timely care under the Affordable Care Act.
'Bumpy' California Enrollment Period Ends with Over 3 Million Health Care Sign-Ups
Thursday, April 17, 2014Covered California released final enrollment numbers today after a 6 month sign-up period.
Nevada To Allow Year-Round Health Insurance Sign-Ups
Monday, April 14, 2014While many Americans who missed the window to buy health insurance this year will have to wait until November 15th if they reconsider, Nevadans will be able to buy coverage year round.
Bill To Put Warning Labels On Sugary Drinks Advances
Thursday, April 10, 2014A California bill that would require health warnings on sugary drinks moved forward in the legislature on Wednesday. Many doctors are among the measure's staunchest supporters.