Impasse Over State Budget
- Share via
Among the victims of the budget impasse are more than 3 million Californians who rely on Medi-Cal for health care. A court ruling last week prevents the state from paying hospitals, doctors, nursing homes and other Medi-Cal providers until a budget is passed.
As the president of Queen of Angels-Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, I know all too well how disastrous this will be, especially to hospitals that serve a disproportionate number of indigent patient; however, I believe hospitals will make every effort to continue services to Medi-Cal patients. In some extreme instances, hospitals may not be able to continue services or even keep their doors open unless they receive payments from Medi-Cal for services rendered to patients.
It’s hard enough as it is to find care providers willing to accept Medi-Cal patients. The budget impasse and the recent court decision will make it even harder.
I wish to commend the efforts of state Controller Gray Davis, who fought and continues to fight to ensure uninterrupted payments to Medi-Cal providers.
RONALD E. DAHLGREN
Los Angeles
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox twice per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
