Newsom’s Medi-Cal budget plan would shift money for voter-approved increases in doctors’ pay and reproductive care to cover other expenses. State spending on Medi-Cal has more than doubled since 2017 and is now projected to cost $76.8 billion.

To save more than $5 billion, the California governor wants to shut down new enrollment for adults who lack legal status and charge premiums. The Legislature has resisted such changes.

Potential cuts to Medicaid have Californians bracing for changes that could weaken recent gains in mental health care and addiction treatment.

California is spending billions more than planned for Medi-Cal. Some of the cost drivers include higher enrollment among immigrants without legal status as well as pharmacy costs.

California is spending billions more than expected on Medi-Cal for coverage expansions that benefit immigrant households.

Almost 15 million Californians have health care coverage through Medi-Cal, a program that stands to lose billions of dollars if Republicans follow through on proposed cuts.

If a victorious Donald Trump implements Project 2025, California will face an ultimatum: Report sensitive abortion data to the government or jeopardize Medicaid funding. A former Trump Health and Human Services appointee wrote this section of the campaign document.

As the state verifies eligibility for its Medicaid program after a pandemic pause, up to 2.8 million Californians could be kicked off the rolls.

After years of record California budget surpluses, Gov. Newsom outlined a plan to deal with a deficit he projects at $22.5 billion and said he can keep his big promises despite the shortfalls.

State health officials last year launched a first-ever competitive bidding process for its Medi-Cal insurance contracts, but when the winners were announced, several insurers complained about the process and its potential impact on patient care.

The union representing 2,000 Kaiser Northern California mental health works announced plans for an open-ended strike this month, citing high workloads and long waits for patients.

Rival California health insurers say the special deal is unfair and could leave them with high-need patients.

The California Legislature has approved several Medi-Cal budget items that would remove barriers to care, such as the asset rule. Now it’s negotiating with the governor.

We need an immediate change in mindset as to how testing is distributed. We cannot allow this to be yet another social injustice. 

Here’s what you need to know about the new budget, which is surgical about taxing and spending while still keeping promises to help the poor.

Enhancing access to injectable antipsychotics may benefit taxpayers and others who pay for health care of patients with mental illness.