The California Dental Association voiced its support for certain provisions of a proposed legislative agreement that would help protect access to dental care under the state’s Medi-Cal program.
Five notes:
1. Proposition 56, passed in 2016, supports healthcare for state residents under Medi-Cal.
2. The proposed agreement delays Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal to eliminate Proposition 56 funding for Medi-Cal dental services and dental coverage for undocumented immigrants until July 1, 2027.
3. The agreement would also accept Gov. Newsom’s plan to divert Proposition 35 funding, which taxes managed healthcare insurance plans to fund Medi-Cal healthcare services, to instead help reduce the state’s budget deficit.
4. The CDA thanked legislators for working to avoid Medi-Cal Dental cuts until 2027, but noted that not rejecting the cuts altogether leaves patients and providers uncertain about the program’s future.
5. The CDA also warned that the diversion of Proposition 35 funding raises legal concerns.
