The SCCMA keeps you up to date on the latest news, policy developments, and events
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
DMHC has issued new guidance responding to CMA concerns about improper COVID-19 cost shifting. The guidance reaffirms that health plans—including Medi-Cal managed care plans—must reimburse physicians for COVID-19 testing and immunizations and may not shift that financial risk to providers without explicit agreement.
Clinical language can shape patient trust, engagement and outcomes. A new CMA webinar will explore how biased and stigmatizing language affects care—and offer practical tools physicians can use to adopt more respectful, person-centered communication.
Monday, January 12, 2026
The Coalition for Compassionate Care of California is developing five new patient-centered decision aids to support shared decision-making during serious illness or health crises. Physicians are invited to complete a brief two-question survey by Feb. 13, 2026, to help identify which treatments are most in need of these tools.
Friday, January 9, 2026
In response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2026-27 budget proposal, CMA President René Bravo, M.D., issued the following statement
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Recent federal action directing changes to the childhood immunization schedule has raised serious concerns among physicians nationwide. CMA warns the decision lacks transparency, bypassed established scientific review processes, and undermines decades of evidence-based public health policy. California has taken steps to preserve science-driven immunization guidance amid shifting federal actions.
Many new California health care laws took effect Jan. 1, 2026, including CMA-sponsored measures to curb misleading use of AI, protect independent physician judgment from corporate interference, and reduce unnecessary prior authorization. CMA’s 2026 new laws report and a January 27 webinar provide practical guidance on what’s changed and what physicians should watch next.
In response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s State of the State address, CMA President René Bravo, M.D., issued the following statement.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
CMS and Noridian are warning Medicare providers about fraudulent letters requesting sensitive enrollment information that CMS already has on file. These notices are not legitimate and should not be answered.
What happens in Sacramento doesn’t stay in Sacramento—it shapes how you practice medicine every day. On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, physicians, residents and medical students from across California will gather in our state capital for the 52nd Annual California Medical Association (CMA) Legislative Advocacy Day.
As of Jan. 1, 2026, a host of new health care laws have taken effect including some sponsored and supported by CMA.
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