By CSA Lobbyist Bryce Docherty
Summary:
GASPAC has been very active this year in supporting the CSA advocacy objectives. Having contributed almost $250,000 this year to the California Legislature, California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D-Alameda), among other critically important political endeavors. GASPAC also has the distinction of being the largest physician specialty organization contributing to Prop. 35: Permanent MCO Tax Funding for Physician Medi-Cal Rates. Not only just GASPAC but with the very generous support from Allied Anesthesia and additional contributions from California Anesthesia Associates, AMG of Santa Barbara, and G2 –- all together anesthesiologists raised $250,000 for Prop 35!!!
Prop. 35 – Permanent MCO Tax Funding for Physician Medi-Cal Rates:
Sponsored by the California Medical Association (CMA) Prop. 35 on the November 2024 General Election ballot would make permanent a tax on health insurers, also known as the Managed Care Organization (MCO) Tax, which is currently set to expire in 2026. Implementing the MCO Tax allows California to draw down additional federal funds to support the Medi-Cal Program.
Last year Governor Newsom and the State Legislature agreed to nearly an additional $7 billion in funding over the next five years to increase Medi-Cal rates to physicians and other critical providers. Unfortunately, to help close the nearly $45 billion budget deficit for 2024-2025, Newsom proposed, and the Legislature agreed to “sweep” all those budgeted funds to ensure no reductions in eligibility requirements for beneficiaries. California is now the only state in the nation that allows any individual regardless of immigration status to obtain Medi-Cal services. This is a talking point that Newsom desperately wants to have as he eventually eyeballs the White House.
However, Prop. 35 requires funds from the tax to be used specifically for Medi-Cal provider rate increase (i.e., anesthesiologists) and prohibits California from using the money to replace existing funds (i.e., backfill other budget priorities). The MCO Tax is expected to bring in between $6 and $9 billion by the end of 2026, but analysis by the Legislative Analyst’s Office said the long-term fiscal effects of the measure are uncertain.
Prop. 35 represents a generational opportunity to transform reimbursement for anesthesiologists the Medi-Cal Program. CSA and GASPAC urge you to VOTE YES on PROP. 35!!!
GASPAC Endorses California Legislature Democratic Candidates (AD 6) – Maggy Krell (Sacramento); (AD 26) – Patrick Ahrens (Santa Clara); and (SD 3) – Christopher Cabaldon (West Sacramento):
GASPAC weighed in on a few open seat races in the California Legislature where the existing incumbent leaving is a political “loss” for CSA. Although there is an anticipated 30++ new incoming members in the Legislature, GASPAC does not have the resources to interview all the candidates in all the open seats. However, these three elections are mission critical to our long-term success of CSA’s activities “Under the Dome.”
(AD 6) – Maggy Krell (Main Cities: Sacramento): CSA good friend and incumbent Asm. Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) is resigning at the end of this year and running for Mayor of Sacramento. Creating an open seat. Former Sacramento DA and former Planned Parenthood of California General Counsel Maggy Krell survived a “jungle primary” to be the Democratic nominee, and she’s running against a Republican. However, this is an extremely heavy Democratic seat, and Maggy will very likely be the next Assemblymember from Sacramento. She is also endorsed by CMA. Click here to learn more about Ms. Krell.
(AD 26) – Patrick Ahrens (Main Cities: Cupertino, San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale): One of CSA’s biggest champions, incumbent Asm. Evan Low (D-Campbell) is resigning at the end of this year to run for Congress, therefore, creating an open seat. Two Democrats are running against each other in the November General Election. Sen. Dave Cortese (D-Santa Clara) Legislative Director and Santa Clara County School Board Member Tara Sreekrishnan is running against Asm. Low District Director and Foothill De-Anza Community College District Board Member Patrick Ahrens. Ahrens is also endorsed by CMA. Click here for more information on Patrick.
(SD 3) – Christopher Cabaldon (Main Cities: Davis, Fairfield, Martinez, Napa, Sonoma, Vallejo, West Sacramento, Woodland): Incumbent Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa) is termed out in 2024, creating an open seat. Former West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon survived a “jungle primary” to be the Democratic nominee; he’s running against a Republican. However, this is an extremely heavy Democratic seat, and Christopher will be most likely the next Senator from SD 3. He is also endorsed by CMA. Click here to learn more about Mr. Cabaldon.