Have something to say? Lookout welcomes letters to the editor, within our policies, from readers. Guidelines here.
California spent years building a Medi-Cal program that goes beyond a card in your wallet. For millions of Californians, Medi-Cal managed care is not just coverage; it is a coordinated system of care that helps people access the right services at the right time. Like other managed care plans, Central California Alliance for Health coordinates member care and is held to strict standards for timely access to appointments, services in a member’s language and access to local providers.
That is why California’s budget proposal to move 1.8 million Medi-Cal members with unsatisfactory immigration status from managed care into the fee-for-service system raises serious concerns. This change would significantly disrupt care for vulnerable California residents who need coordinated support to stay healthy.
The consequences of this proposal could be immediate and far-reaching. Reduced access to managed care providers may lead to missed preventive visits, interruptions in chronic care and increased reliance on emergency rooms.
But this issue isn’t limited to Medi-Cal members. When people cannot access timely primary or specialty care, they often turn to emergency departments that are already under strain. Increased emergency room use affects everyone in the community. It can mean longer waits for families seeking urgent care, greater pressure on hospitals, fewer available beds and more stress on physicians, nurses, clinics and local safety net providers.
This drastic change in the proposed budget is not necessary to ensure compliance with new federal guidance. We urge residents to immediately contact your state representative, encouraging them to maintain continuity for all Medi-Cal members.
Michael Schrader, CEO, Central California Alliance for Health
Scotts Valley
