State Issues Updates

Your help is needed to protect Indian Medi-Cal services!!

Greetings. 

Linked below is a letter that Assembly and Senate Representatives are preparing to send to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on an important Indian Medi-Cal issue. 

Lawmakers will seek clarification from CMS on health care issues directly affecting the health status of Native American’s residing in California.  The State made significant cuts to optional benefits given the State budget shortfall.  Because of the Federal government’s unique obligation to Indians specifically in health care, Congress allocates states 100% Federal matching dollars for the provision of the services.  There is no cost to the State for health services provided to Indian Medicaid beneficiaries served by Indian health facilities.

Legislators will request CMS to provide direction to the State.  The intent is to clarify the ability to continue providing Medicaid services, including optional benefits, through the Indian Health Service and Indian health programs to Indian Medicaid beneficiaries at 100 percent Federal match, as authorized under the Social Security Act.

We are working closely with Senator Cox’s office, Senate Health Committee, and Assembly Member Chesbro’s office on this important initiative.  Through correspondences between Indian health care advocates and Assembly Member Block’s office that stretched into the night of 9/1/09, I am pleased to inform you that Mr. Block has agreed to co-sign the letter.  Please urge your Assembly and Senate Representatives to co-sign the letter.  Ask them to inform Lisa Ramer, Assemblyman Chesbro’s Chief of Staff, of their intent to sign on.  They can contact Lisa via phone at 916-319-2001 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

To find the Legislators that represent your area go to http://www.legislature.ca.gov and under the Find My District category enter your zip code.  I’ve also attached the 09 Assembly and Senate Roster/Contact Information for your use.

Mark LeBeau, MS
Health Policy Analyst
CA Rural Indian Health Board, Inc.
4400 Auburn Blvd., 2nd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95841
Telephone: (916) 929-9761

Legislative Letter to CMS regarding Indian Medi-Cal Services (.pdf)
2009 Assembly Senate Roster- Contact Information (.pdf)

Stop Medi-Cal Adult Dental Program Cuts

Indian clinics and tribes need to act now to put pressure on the Department of Finance (DOF) and the State Treasurer to “TRIGGER OFF” the cuts to the Medi-Cal Adult Dental program.  State budget analysts are projecting only $8 billion (of the $10 billion needed) in Federal Stimulus that can go towards the budget’s “trigger” category.

Time is running out to change their minds.

Please take 1 minute to complete the draft letter attached and fax to the Treasurer at 916-653-3125 and DOF at 916-324-7311.
 
The Treasurer and Finance Director will hold a public hearing to help them make the trigger determination.  The meeting will be held March 17 at 10 a.m. in the State Capitol, Room 4203, Sacramento, CA 95814. www.treasurer.ca.gov

Download The Letter as a Word Document for Postal Mailing

We encourage you to send an email action alert to to the State of California's Treasurer and Finance Director.

At the end of our action letter is a text box so you can amend the letter with your own thoughts and concerns prior to sending.

Send the Letter as an Email Action Alert