What’s happening: As Congress works on a federal budget for 2026 that could result in devastating cuts to Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California), it is imperative that all hospital leaders let members of Congress know directly the impact these cuts will have on the people and communities they represent. Representatives will be home in their districts from April 11-27, which is an excellent time to invite your representative to come visit their local hospital.
What else to know: Another effective method is to submit an op-ed or Letter to the Editor to your local newspaper or another relevant news outlet, as did Elaine Batchlor, MD, who serves as CEO of MLK Community Healthcare in Los Angeles and as a CHA board member. Dr. Batchlor’s op-ed, Medicaid cuts are a threat to health care for all, appeared in The Hill, a Washington, D.C., publication widely read by members of Congress — who, along with their staff, also regularly follow local media outlets to stay on top of key concerns for their constituents.
Op-eds are guest editorials that appear in the Opinion sections of many newspapers and online publications. The articles are usually 400-600 words in length and must reflect the author’s viewpoint. Letters to the Editor are typically shorter — often limited to 150 words or less.
Submissions should be as specific as possible about the impacts the proposed Medicaid cuts will have on your hospital’s ability to care for patients and the communities you serve. You should consider sharing as many details as possible on what programs or patient care services may be at risk and the impact this will have on your community. If enacted, these cuts will hurt every Californian, not just those covered by Medi-Cal.
For more details and messaging on the proposed Medicaid cuts, please visit the Federal Advocacy resource page on the CHA website: Congress Must Protect Patient Care.
