Today, Governor Newsom released his proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Despite a projected $22.5 billion deficit for the 2023-24 budget year, the Governor continued to advance critical investments to protect Medi-Cal, but more funding is needed to strengthen the safety net.
California’s 21 public health care systems provide care to millions of individuals, primarily those from historically marginalized communities who rely on Medi-Cal every day for essential health care services. We commend the Governor for his support of the health care safety net, including the preservation of the Medi-Cal expansion and the inclusion of the Managed Care Organization tax to support the Medi-Cal program. As part of CalAIM, the Governor also proposed new funding to provide six months of rent or temporary housing to certain populations, which is a critical component of ensuring their health.
While we appreciate the proposed investments and are sympathetic to the State’s budget situation, public health care systems continue to face a looming financial crisis. Funding is needed now more than ever to protect those individuals most at-risk, especially as we face economic uncertainties. To help address this need, we support the hospital industry’s request for one-time funding to protect access for patients most in need.
Public health care systems, like other providers across the state, are experiencing an unprecedented workforce crisis that has only been made worse by the unrelenting stressors of the pandemic. We urge the full funding of the workforce investments that were passed as part of the 2022 State Budget, which are desperately needed to grow and rebuild the health care workforce.
We look forward to working with the Administration and Legislature to identify strategies to further support the health care safety net and ensure that the 15 million Californians who rely on Medi-Cal can rely on these vital services.
Statement Attributable to:
Erica Murray, President and CEO, CAPH