CAPH Policy & Program Newsletter Archive

A resource for CAPH members to access past editions of our newsletter featuring policy updates, program highlights, and tools to support California’s public health care systems. Newsletters are organized from most recent to oldest.

To be added to the distribution list, members should reach out to Claudia Coons.

Covers the nation’s longest-ever federal government shutdown, its growing local impacts, and community-driven support efforts across California. Highlights passage of Proposition 50 and Santa Clara County’s Measure A as key policy developments, ongoing CAPH advocacy to delay DSH cuts and restore Medicare telehealth flexibilities, California’s application for the $500M Rural Health Transformation Fund, and HRSA’s 340B rebate pilot approvals.

Details the fourth week of the federal shutdown and its effects on CalFresh and CalWORKs, alongside California’s emergency food assistance response. Reviews upcoming ballot measures—Proposition 50 on redistricting and Santa Clara County’s Measure A sales tax—and CAPH advocacy priorities on DSH and telehealth. Includes CMS telehealth guidance, Medi-Medi enrollment expansion, and upcoming DHCS and Health4All webinars.

Focuses on the second week of the federal shutdown and CAPH advocacy to delay DSH cuts and extend Medicare telehealth flexibilities. Summarizes end-of-session state legislation including SB 81 on patient immigration protections, CAPH’s opposition to SB 596 on staffing ratios, and updates from DHCS on data sharing, Transitional Rent payments, reinstated asset limits, and the Medi-Cal doula directory.

Addresses potential federal government shutdown and October 1 deadline for Medicaid DSH cuts ($856M annual loss) and Medicare telehealth flexibilities expiration, Trump’s H-1B visa restrictions imposing $100K fees affecting healthcare workforce recruitment, and California vaccine access protections webinar.

Covers end of legislative session with state budget advocacy successes (reduced UIS premiums to $30, delayed PPS elimination), continued opposition to SB 596 nurse staffing requirements, and federal focus on preventing DSH cuts and extending Medicare telehealth flexibilities expiring September 30.

Focuses on urgent advocacy to prevent October 1 Medicaid DSH cuts ($856M annual California impact), state legislative session ending September 13 with suspense file votes on key bills, and Office of Health Care Affordability enforcement discussions accounting for H.R. 1 impacts.

Covers federal reconciliation bill’s nearly $1 trillion Medicaid cuts and multi-front advocacy strategy, state legislature’s return with appropriations deadlines, AB 1204 equity reporting portal opening September 30, and 340B recertification requirements through September 8.

Addresses immigration enforcement fears causing patient no-shows and care avoidance, state legislative recess advocacy opportunities, and DHCS revision of MCO tax spending amid H.R. 1 federal restrictions that could end the tax early.

Discusses HHS expansion of “federal public benefits” definition affecting FQHCs serving immigrants, anticipated September Medicaid DSH cuts ($800M+ impact), and state legislature completing policy hearings before summer recess.

Covers passage of 2025-2026 state budget eliminating PPS payments for UIS FQHCs and imposing premiums, California’s multi-state lawsuit blocking Medicaid data sharing with DHS, and Senate reconciliation bill with state directed payment caps.

Reports on Senate Finance Committee’s reconciliation bill proposing deeper Medicaid cuts including state directed payment annual reductions, California Legislature’s budget modifications delaying some UIS cuts, and CMS announcing increased oversight of Medicaid immigrant funding.

Covers California’s $12 billion deficit with proposed Medi-Cal cuts targeting UIS population (enrollment freeze, PPS elimination, $100 premiums), ongoing state budget negotiations ahead of June 15 deadline, and updates on priority legislation affecting public health care systems.

Covers House passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” with devastating Medicaid cuts and California’s May Revise addressing a $12 billion deficit. Includes legislative appropriations updates, federal budget reconciliation details, and new executive orders targeting drug costs.

Highlights innovation examples from public health care systems while warning about $880 billion in federal spending cuts targeting Medicaid. Includes MCO tax stakeholder updates, OHCA high-cost hospital target decisions, and federal restrictions on gender-affirming care.

Focuses on continued Medicaid advocacy during congressional spring recess and messaging strategies for protecting Medicaid from federal cuts. Covers Proposition 35 advisory committee launch, new psychiatric emergency care requirements, and federal 340B drug pricing executive order.

Recaps successful State Lobby Day with 20 participants conducting 50+ legislative meetings on Medicaid protection and OHCA concerns. Includes updates on hospital regulatory guidance, emergency medical services regulations, and Proposition 35 implementation.

Covers advocacy efforts following continuing resolution passage and showcases Arrowhead Regional Medical Center’s “I Matter” advocacy video. Provides updates on state lobby day, federal continuing resolution impacts, and court decisions on gender-affirming care.

Features a patient success story from Alameda Health System to highlight the importance of public health care systems. Includes state budget hearing updates, OHCA high-cost hospital proposals, and various new laws and regulatory guidance.

Discusses strategies for managing constant policy changes and provides updates on state legislation and CalHHS Secretary confirmation. Covers OHCA developments, federal lobby planning, and Trump administration executive order on gender affirming care for minors.

Focuses on continued wildfire response and federal administration proposals affecting public health care systems. Includes updates on Medi-Cal support for wildfire victims, immigration policy changes, and various state program developments.

Addresses LA wildfire impacts on public health care  systems and announces new health committee chairs for the 2025-2026 legislative session. Features California’s approval of the BH-CONNECT behavioral health waiver and CMS approval of MCO tax waiver amendment securing $7.2 billion.

Covers CAPH Annual Conference recap and federal lobby day meetings with California senators and representatives about DSH payments, telehealth waivers, and Medicaid concerns. Also includes state updates on weapons detection requirements, CalAIM funding, and federal telehealth prescribing waiver extensions.

Thanksgiving message expressing gratitude for public health care workers’ dedication throughout 2024’s challenges and triumphs. Covers California state election results with ~40 new legislators, OHCA Board developments including new leadership, and various CalAIM program updates.

Addresses post-presidential election uncertainty and planning for multiple scenarios while celebrating Proposition 35’s passage to make MCO tax permanent. Includes updates on Data Exchange Framework roadmap, Hospital Fair Pricing Act changes, and federal Medicare coverage modifications for FQHCs.

Examines election uncertainties and their potential impact on public health care systems at federal and state levels. Features OHCA Board discussions on sector-specific spending targets and hospital-specific cost controls, plus resources for financial assistance policy updates.

Discusses insights from America’s Essential Hospital’s Medicaid Summit, focusing on State Directed Payments opportunities, vulnerabilities with self-financed supplementals, and potential restrictive Medicaid policies under a Trump administration. Covers legislative updates, federal TEAM model implementation, and enhanced care management guidance.