Legislature Firms Up Budget Deal; Almost All Health Issues Go Wanting June 13, 2014 Medi Cal, Medicaid, Politics and Medicine California Budget Deal, Health Access California, Medi-Cal cut 0 The California Legislature yesterday reached a budget deal that further limits access to health care for many Californians. The deal specifically: Does not include reversal of a 10% Medi-Cal provider rate reduction Does not make autism therapy a Medi-Cal benefit Does not restore public health programs such as the Early Mental Health Initiative and the Children's Dental Disease Prevention Program Rejects money from the California Endowment to help enroll and renew Medi-Cal beneficiaries The budget language hammered out in conference committee yesterday did include funding for two health care programs: It restores the Black Infant Health Program, at a cost of $3.9 million; and The governor agreed not to eliminate overtime for home health care workers. Friday the 13th came a day early for health care advocates. “Overall it’s a deeply disappointing day,” stated Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access California. “Medi-Cal rates, Medi-Cal benefits, public health programs, none of it is in there.” At the end of yesterday's Senate floor session, Steinberg said the budget will be in print today and a final vote on the budget and trailer bills is set for Sunday. The Legislature has until midnight on Sunday, June 15 to pass it. Source: California Healthline, June 13, 2014 Comments are closed.
