Lawsuit Aims To Derail Medi-Cal Cuts Scheduled To Kick In July 1
The California Primary Care Association has filed a lawsuit to stop the state from eliminating Medi-Cal coverage for adult dental care and other services the federal government designates as optional benefits, the Ventura County Star reports.
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program.
Clinicas del Camino Real in Ventura County and Southern Trinity Health Services in Northern California also are plaintiffs in the suit.
The cuts come as part of the $948 million in cuts that will take effect July 1 as part of the state budget agreement. In March, state officials determined that California would not receive enough money from the federal stimulus package for general budget relief to waive the cuts (Kisken, Ventura County Star, 4/30).
Medi-Cal stands to lose $120 million in state funding through the cuts, eliminating coverage for:
- Dental care;
- Chiropractic services;
- Acupuncture;
- Psychological care;
- Podiatry; and
- Speech therapy (California Healthline, 4/7).
Lawsuit Details
The suit asks the court to block the funding cuts for rural health centers and federally qualified health centers that receive state funding.
The lawsuit argues that the state and federal government define the benefits set to be eliminated as core services for such facilities.Â
Officials at the California Department of Health Care Services said state lawyers have not reviewed the suit (Ventura County Star, 4/30). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.