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CMA News

CMA urges Congress to act on year-end health care priorities

Thu, 28 Aug 2025

CMA is calling on Congress to address urgent health care priorities before the end of the year to protect access to care for California patients. Without congressional action, millions could lose coverage, seniors will face growing barriers to care and physician shortages will grow more severe.

CMA urges Congress to extend expiring Medicare telehealth coverage

Wed, 27 Aug 2025

With Medicare telehealth flexibilities set to expire Sept. 30, CMA and AMA are urging Congress to pass H.R. 4206, the CONNECT for Health Act of 2025. The bipartisan bill would permanently lift outdated restrictions on patient access to virtual care.

No Surprises Act: Agencies extend QPA enforcement discretion into 2026

Wed, 27 Aug 2025

Federal regulators have extended their “enforcement discretion” on how insurers calculate the Qualified Payment Amount (QPA) under the No Surprises Act. Health plans may continue using the original 2021 methodology until at least February 1, 2026, with a possible further extension to August 2026.Federal regulators have extended their “enforcement discretion” on how insurers calculate the Qualified Payment Amount (QPA) under the No Surprises Act. Health plans may continue using the original 2021 methodology until at least February 1, 2026, with a possible further extension to August 2026.

Federal judge halts federal health dept's sharing of Medicaid data with deportation officials

Thu, 21 Aug 2025

A federal judge has blocked HHS from sharing the personal information of Medicaid enrollees with deportation officials, temporarily halting a controversial policy that raised serious privacy and patient safety concerns.

CMA mourns the loss of Dr. Larry DeGhetaldi

Thu, 21 Aug 2025

CMA is deeply saddened by the passing of longtime member and physician leader Larry A. DeGhetaldi, M.D., whose vision, intellect and compassion shaped health policy and physician advocacy in California for decades.

AAP issues evidence-based vaccine schedule for young children

Thu, 21 Aug 2025

The American Academy of Pediatrics is urging all children ages 6–23 months to be vaccinated against COVID-19, diverging from recent federal guidance that downplays the need for routine immunization. The group is also recommending flu and RSV vaccines for young children to ensure broader protection ahead of the fall respiratory illness season — underscoring growing concern within the medical community about political interference in vaccine recommendations.

DHCS announces new Medi-Cal Rx policy changes beginning November 2025

Wed, 20 Aug 2025

DHCS is rolling out a series of Medi-Cal Rx policy changes starting November 1, 2025, with more extensive coverage restrictions set to take effect January 1, 2026.

CMA urges Cigna to withdraw unlawful and burdensome downcoding policy

Wed, 20 Aug 2025

CMA is calling on Cigna to rescind a new automatic downcoding policy that appears to violate California law, creates unnecessary administrative burdens, and undermines nationally recognized coding standards.

UnitedHealthcare to publish annual update to Gold Card program on September 1

Thu, 14 Aug 2025

UnitedHealthcare will release its annual update to the national Gold Card program on September 1, 2025. Physicians should check their status in provider portal promptly, as disputes must be filed by September 30, 2025.

White House releases AI action plan with focus on health care

Tue, 12 Aug 2025

The White House has released a sweeping AI action plan outlining more than 90 policy actions, prioritizing responsible deployment of AI in health care.