The U.S. Senate is currently considering the Graham-Cassidy block grant bill, which would repeal the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) insurance mandate, underfund health insurance subsidies and make drastic cuts to the Medicaid program. Under the bill, traditional Medicaid funding would be capped. Medicaid expansion and ACA subsidies for low- and middle-income families would be subject to an underfunded block grant and phased out in 2027. This bill would be disproportionately harmful to states like California, which embraced Medicaid expansion and increased coverage under the ACA. 

Today, in the House of Representatives, Congressman Lou Correa honored the work of the Waste Not OC Coalition.  His full speech can be read by clicking here. 

The Network of Ethnic Physician Organization (NEPO) Building Healthy Communities Summit is taking place immediately before the California Medical Association (CMA) House of Delegates on October 19-20, at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. This year’s conference theme – “Striving for Health Equity in the Era of Change" – will focus on emerging health policy issues and solutions as we strive to achieve health equity and reduce health disparities.

The summit agenda will include a thought-provoking array of plenary sessions and workshops. Attendees will hear from nationally acclaimed thought leaders, learn about emerging health care policy issues and share best practices on how to reduce health disparities.

“Building healthier communities is a key component of what community physicians are all about,” said NEPO Chair Margaret Juarez, M.D. “The NEPO Summit helps physicians and health care providers connect to work with organizations across the state to make California healthier for all.”

This annual symposium has drawn an increasing crowd of motivated physicians, interested in advancing their expertise in health policy as an adjunct to their practice of medicine. Featuring keynote addresses by Robert K. Ross, M.D., President and CEO of the California Endowment, and Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens), the NEPO Summit will provide you with opportunities to network with policymakers, health care advocates and thought leaders, alongside breakout sessions on topics as diverse as the impact of immigration laws on health care, physician mental health, and addressing maternal morbidity and mortality.

Register by September 15 to take advantage of the early-bird rate of $199. Participants can earn up to 12 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ of continuing medical education.

For more information or to register, click here

From Voice of OC:

http://voiceofoc.org/2017/07/oc-supervisors-attempt-caloptima-takeover/

 

The California Medical Association (CMA) has heard from several physicians who have received unexpected termination notices from Anthem Blue Cross. The notices, which specify no cause for termination, appear directed only to physicians who refer to out-of-network ambulatory surgical centers. If you have recently received a similar termination notice from Anthem Blue Cross, CMA wants to hear from you. Please contact CMA's Reimbursement Helpline at (888) 401-5911 or economicservices@cmanet.org. 

 

A recall has been issued of frozen tuna potentially contaminated with hepatitis A which was sourced from Sustainable Seafood Company, Vietnam, and Santa Cruz Seafood Inc., Philippines. This voluntary recall was issued as part of an ongoing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigation. The complete recall advisory can be found at: https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm561199.htm.

The California Medical Association’s (CMA) Board of Trustees is seeking applications or nominations for members interested and willing to serve on CMA's Standing Councils and Subcommittees for 2017-18. Appointments begin and expire at the conclusion of the House of Delegates, and current members eligible for reappointment must submit a new application for the 2017-18 term.
 
The Committee on Nominations will also contact each Council/Subcommittee Chair for evaluation of their respective committee members, and Component Medical Societies may also inquire about a member’s performance.
 
Please distribute this solicitation to any and all interested parties.

• Term Length/Duration: One (1) year
• Time Commitment: Up to four (4) meetings per year with one (1) potentially in-person. Council meets as needed.
• Requirements: Member of the CMA in good standing.
• Staff Contact: Michelle Chapanian, (916) 551-2054, mchapanian@cmanet.org

DEADLINE: June 13, 2017.
Please submit to nominations@cmanet.org with a completed application form (PDF or Word), brief CV (less than five pages) and statement of interest.

Attachments:

• Nominations Form/Application: PDF and Word
• Councils and Subcommittees Information Packet:
• Solicitation Letter
• Councils and Subcommittee Membership Roster
• List of Councils and Subcommittees and Council/Subcommittee Charges
• CMA Bylaws Provisions Governing Councils/Subcommittees
• CMA's Conflict of Interest Policy

On July 1, 2017, a new law (AB 72) will take effect that will change the billing practices of non-participating physicians providing non-emergent care at in-network facilities including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and laboratories. The law, signed in 2016, was designed to reduce unexpected medical bills when patients go to an in-network facility but receive care from an out-of-network doctor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVimYOug8v8

Summer 2017 OC In+Care Newsletter for providers serving people living with HIV in Orange County.

InCare Newsletter Issue 10 Summer 2017.pdf