The SCCMA keeps you up to date on the latest news, policy developments, and events
Thursday, August 28, 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.
Wednesday, August 27, 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 The bipartisan bill would permanently lift outdated restrictions on patient access to virtual care.
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.
Thursday, August 21, 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 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.
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.
Wednesday, August 20, 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 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.
Thursday, August 14, 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.
Tuesday, August 12, 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.
View More CMA News
Join 44,000 physicians making a direct impact on health care legislation.
