About Affordability
Health care is a basic human need, one that Californians rely on to live, grow, and prosper. Unfortunately, the cost of care has become too high for many working families. For years, California’s hospitals have made headway toward controlling costs. To ensure care for every Californian, the entire health care field must tighten its belt — insurance companies, physicians, labor unions, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and more. California’s hospitals stand ready to tackle this challenge through engagement with the Office of Health Care Affordability
Governor Newsom Proposes Health Care Cuts in Revised Budget to Tackle $45 Billion Deficit
What’s happening: The governor proposes a broad mix of solutions spanning a range of government programs, including diverting funding previously committed to Medi-Cal provider payment increases.
What else to know: The Legislature will consider whether to approve the spending plan alongside any changes and has until June 15 to adopt a final budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
OHCA Board Adopts First Statewide Spending Target: 3.5%, Ramping Down to 3%
What’s happening: On Wednesday, the Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) board approved a five-year statewide health care spending growth target for 2025 through 2029.
What else to know: While the adoption of the target represents a major milestone, much more work will be needed to encourage the target’s regular reevaluation and clarify its enforcement.
Office of Health Care Affordability Decision to Limit Spending Fails to Account for Californians’ Future Health Care Needs
“Today’s action by the new Office of Health Care Affordability Board to limit what California spends on health care sets a goal that will have significant consequences for patient care,” said Carmela Coyle, President & CEO of the California Hospital Association. “The target established today does not account for the needs of Californians over the […]
CHA Issues Alert Ahead of OHCA Hearing
Earlier this week, CHA issued an alert urging members to testify at next week’s Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) board meeting. With the board’s final decision on a spending target expected at either the April 24 or May 22 board meeting, it is crucial that hospital voices continue to be heard. The board is […]
Urge OHCA Board to Modify Spending Growth Target
OHCA Board States Positions on the Spending Target, Without Taking a Vote
What’s happening: The Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) board met on March 25 to consider the staff-proposed 3% statewide spending target and the related stakeholder feedback.
What else to know: While the board did not formally adopt the target, most board members expressed general comfort with the 3% proposal, with the possibility of moderate revisions. The final target will be adopted in April or May.