California's physicians proudly endorse Gavin Newsom for Governor Today, the California Medical Association (CMA) formally endorsed Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2018 bid to become California’s next governor. “California’s physicians are proud to support Gavin Newsom for Governor,” said CMA President Theodore M. Mazer, M.D. “Gavin is a lifelong champion for health care in California, and we know he will continue to fight for pragmatic solutions to our most crucial health care challenges, including working to achieve universal access and tackling our state’s physician shortage.” As Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco, Newsom worked with health care ... April 24, 2018 CMA, General Election, Political Advocacy 0 0 Comment Read More »
California Medical Association Endorses Eleni Kounalakis for California Lt. Governor Today, the California Medical Association (CMA) endorsed Eleni Kounalakis’ 2018 bid to become California’s next Lieutenant Governor. “The California Medical Association is proud to support Eleni Kounalakis for Lieutenant Governor,” said CMA President Theodore M. Mazer, M.D. “Today’s political environment demands leaders focused on pragmatic solutions to improve quality access to health care, address our looming physician shortage crisis and champion public health initiatives. We believe Eleni has the passion, temperament and experience to best represent California’s citizens and interests.” “I am so honored to receive the endorsement of the California ... January 30, 2018 CMA, General Election, Political Advocacy 0 0 Comment Read More »
California Medical Association applauds voter approval of Proposition 52 The California Medical Association (CMA) today applauded voter approval of Proposition 52, the California Medi-Cal Hospital Reimbursement Initiative. Voters passed the measure, which will maximize the amount of federal funds available to California to provide health care services to children, seniors and working families through Medi-Cal. “One in three Californians rely on Medi-Cal care so it’s critical that we invest in health care services needed by our most vulnerable populations,” said CMA Immediate Past President Steven E. Larson, M.D., MPH. “Prop. 52 will help provide essentials like check-ups, immunizations, prescriptions, ... November 14, 2016 Medi-Cal Ballot Measures, Election, Medi-Cal, Political Advocacy 0 0 Comment Read More »
California Medical Association applauds voter approval of Proposition 56 The California Medical Association (CMA) today applauded voter approval of Proposition 56, the California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016. Voters overwhelmingly passed the measure, rejecting Big Tobacco’s $70 million deceptive campaign. Prop. 56 will increase California’s cigarette tax by $2 per pack, with an equivalent increase on products containing nicotine derived from tobacco, including e-cigarettes. In every other state that has significantly raised cigarette taxes, smoking rates have gone down, especially among children. “This is a great day for public health in California,” said CMA Immediate Past ... November 9, 2016 General Ballot Measures, Election, Electronic Cigarettes, Medi-Cal, Prop. 56 (tobacco tax), Public Health, Tobacco, Tobacco Tax 0 0 Comment Read More »
California Medical Association applauds voter approval of Proposition 55 The California Medical Association (CMA) today applauded voter approval of Proposition 55, the California Children’s Education and Health Care Protection Act of 2016. This measure will provide much-needed funding for public education and vital health care services. “Prop. 55 presented a rare opportunity to invest in the health and well-being of low-income children and their families,” said CMA President Ruth Haskins, M.D. “California’s doctors are proud to have served as leaders in this effort to help patients stay healthy and thrive.” Prop. 55 will extend current income tax rates for the ... November 9, 2016 General Ballot Measures, Election, Medi-Cal, Political Advocacy, Prop.55 0 0 Comment Read More »
Study finds fewer California physicians accept Medi-Cal despite a surge in patients Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the numbers of patients enrolled in Medi-Cal has increased over the past three years, but a new study published by the California Health Care Foundation shows that fewer physicians are accepting these patients—largely because of the dismal payment rates. Medi-Cal has long been underfunded, resulting in decreased access to health care for patients and dangerously low reimbursement rates for participating physicians. Currently, payments to doctors for a typical office visit under Medi-Cal are far less than the cost of providing care. In 2013, according to ... November 4, 2016 Medi-Cal Prop.56 (tobacco tax), Ballot Measures, Election, Medi-Cal, Political Advocacy, Prop.55 0 0 Comment Read More »
California Medical Association endorses soda tax ballot measures The California Medical Association (CMA) today announced endorsements for three Bay Area ballot propositions aimed at reducing sugar intake to prevent diabetes and obesity: Measure V in San Francisco (Tax on Distributing Sugar-Sweetened Beverages) proposes a 1-cent per ounce tax that is estimated to generate $14.4 million/year. Measure HH in Oakland (Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax) proposes a 1-cent per ounce tax that is estimated to generate $6-8 million/year. Measure 01 in Albany (Sugar-Sweetened Beverage General Tax) proposes a 1-cent per ounce ... October 14, 2016 General Ballot Measures, Election, Political Advocacy, Public Health 0 0 Comment Read More »
Life-saving tobacco tax measure holds narrow lead in Field poll A new Field poll shows that California voters narrowly favor Proposition 56, but also reflects the effect of Big Tobacco's mammoth spending and deceptive messaging. The Field poll found that Prop. 56 is ahead by 53 percent to 40 percent, with six weeks before Election Day. “This is not a surprise. Tobacco companies have spent $200 million over the last 10 years in campaign contributions to defeat tobacco taxes,” said Yes on 56 Campaign Manager Jim DeBoo. “They know the tax itself will help prevent passing this deadly, costly habit ... October 13, 2016 General Election, Political Advocacy, Prop. 56 (tobacco tax), Ballot Measures, Public Health 0 0 Comment Read More »
CMA endorses ballot initiative to reduce gun violence The California Medical Association (CMA) last week announced an endorsement for Proposition 63, California’s “Safety for All” initiative to reduce gun violence in California. More than 300 Americans are shot each day, and firearms kill over 32,000 Americans each year. In 2013, over 6,000 Californians were hospitalized or treated in emergency rooms for nonfatal gunshot wounds, including 1,275 children and teens. “Far too often, physicians become firsthand witnesses to the horrific aftermath of gun-related tragedies,” said CMA President Steve Larson, M.D., MPH. “We see it in our hospitals, clinics and on ... August 16, 2016 CMA, General Election, Public Health, Ballot Measures, Guns, Political Advocacy 0 0 Comment Read More »
CMA Capitol Insight: Aug. 3, 2016 CMA Capitol Insight is a biweekly column by veteran journalist Anthony York, reporting on the inner workings of the state Legislature. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ November Ballot Rundown California’s ballot has evolved into an impressive – and daunting – laundry list of policy proposals, running the gamut of fiscal and social policy. While the 17 measures on the ballot are not a statewide record, many of the state’s hot-button political issues – including health care, guns, criminal justice and environmental protection – will all be decided by voters this fall. Tax measures loom large this ... August 8, 2016 General CMA Capitol Insight, Election, Political Advocacy, Ballot Measures 0 0 Comment Read More »
