Impasse Over State Budget
Among the victims of the budget impasse are more than 3 million Californians who rely on Medi-Cal for health care. A court ruling last week prevents the state from paying hospitals, doctors, nursing homes and other Medi-Cal providers until a budget is passed.
As the president of Queen of Angels-Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, I know all too well how disastrous this will be, especially to hospitals that serve a disproportionate number of indigent patient; however, I believe hospitals will make every effort to continue services to Medi-Cal patients. In some extreme instances, hospitals may not be able to continue services or even keep their doors open unless they receive payments from Medi-Cal for services rendered to patients.
It’s hard enough as it is to find care providers willing to accept Medi-Cal patients. The budget impasse and the recent court decision will make it even harder.
I wish to commend the efforts of state Controller Gray Davis, who fought and continues to fight to ensure uninterrupted payments to Medi-Cal providers.
RONALD E. DAHLGREN
Los Angeles
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