Today’s May Revision budget proposal from Gov. Newsom includes important commitments to coverage. Additional resources will be needed to protect the vital health care services on which all Californians rely.
A proposal to provide $50 million to safeguard communities whose hospitals are at imminent risk of service cuts or closures is a strong starting point. We look forward to working with the Legislature and the governor to increase the amounts needed to keep hospitals open.
The plan to limit coverage losses is commendable — everyone deserves coverage. The funding for that coverage proposed in the budget falls well short of what is needed to maintain access to care in communities throughout the state. Any final budget must include adequate funding for care.
“Health care is a fundamental human need, and this budget proposal recognizes the importance of coverage. To preserve access to care for California’s most vulnerable, additional resources are needed,” said Carmela Coyle, President & CEO of the California Hospital Association.