Medi-CAL Issue in Los Angeles

Doctors are closing their doors to Medi-Cal patients because of cuts in Medi-Cal reimbursement rates, putting in jeopardy continuing care for 6.7 poor, elderly and disabled Californians, 25% of them in Los Angeles County. Legislation to reduce already low reimbursement rates an additional 10% was approved by the Legislature on February 15 of this year. That action, according to the Times’ story, was the last straw for many doctors and may force the closure of USC-California Hospital family residency medical program in Downtown Los Angeles, which treats more than 4,000 patients annually. MRT voted to support these cuts. It is difficult to see how a person who supported Medi-Cal cuts as a State Senator can argue as a candidate for County Supervisor that he is the person to improve medical care for the needy.

• Here's What Bernard Parks Financial Principles And Objectives says about this issue

Medi-cal cuts

• The Governor’s proposal to close the $14.5 billion state budget deficit carries a high price tag for the people of Los Angeles County. Current year cuts to County programs total $25.9 million and include significant reductions in state funding levels for CalWORKS reforms, substance abuse and crime prevention programs, alcohol and drug programs, and mental health and Medi-Cal provider rates. (The proposal was voted on on February 15.)

• The impact in the next fiscal year will be even more severe, with proposed reductions to the County totaling $219.8 million. In addition to additional cuts in the programs already identified, the 2008-2009 reductions the Governor proposes will adversely impact Child Welfare Services, HIV/AIDS Treatment and Prevention, Medi-Cal Administration, Food Stamp Administration, Juvenile Probation and Camp funding, Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention, Adult Protective Services, Family Health programs and libraries.