Schwarzenegger Scheduled To Release Medi-Cal Reform Plan Next Week
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) next week will release his proposal to reform Medi-Cal as part of his revised budget proposal, administration officials said Wednesday, the AP/Contra Costa Times reports. The governor's plan, which will require approval by the Legislature and the federal government, is expected to propose higher copayments for some services; new restrictions for program beneficiaries; new regulations addressing services for the blind and people with disabilities; and an enrollment cap, according to the AP/Times. Democratic legislators "remain skeptical" of Schwarzenegger's plan, and some advocates "are preparing for a fight," as some legislators and advocates say that public health spending likely will "emerge as one of the main points in this year's budget debate," the AP/Times reports. Department of Health Services spokesperson Robert Miller said that he could not comment on the reform package because it is not yet complete (Chorneau, AP/Contra Costa Times, 5/6).
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