California Academy of Family Physicians Raises Concerns Over Budget Cuts Impacting Healthcare Access

CAFP Urges Governor to Preserve Healthcare Access Amid Proposed Budget Cuts

In a recent statement, the California Academy of Family Physicians (CAFP) has voiced significant concerns regarding Governor Gavin Newsom's May Revision of the state budget for 2025-26. The proposed budget includes substantial cuts to Medi-Cal services, which may have dire consequences for millions of Californians who rely on these essential health care services. As a leader in health access advocacy, particularly for underserved populations including undocumented immigrants, CAFP stresses the critical need for continued support in order to uphold the principles of equitable healthcare.

CAFP President, Dr. Anthony Chong, highlighted the vital role family physicians play in caring for California's most vulnerable communities. He noted that the proposed budget cuts seriously undermine the support systems essential for delivering care to children, seniors, immigrants, and those facing financial hardships. "Family physicians are the backbone of primary care in Medi-Cal, and the cuts threaten to widen existing health disparities, making healthcare less accessible and pushing more patients towards emergency services," Dr. Chong voiced in his urgent appeal to state lawmakers.

The impact of these cuts is expected to be severe, with looming barriers for patients. Enrollment freezes for undocumented adults, critical benefits elimination, and reduced clinician payments could lead to reduced service availability, putting families at risk. This has been particularly alarming for CAFP as they advocate for more efficient health care systems focused on preventive measures, highlighting that investment in primary care is vital for the state's health infrastructure.

Dr. Chong pointed out the importance of programs like Proposition 56, which assists in loan repayment for family medicine practitioners, especially those working in rural or underserved markets. Such incentives are pivotal for attracting health care providers to high-need areas where physician shortages are deeply felt. The potential suspension of these programs jeopardizes the availability of primary care in regions already facing hikes in physician scarcity.

"The health care system does not naturally encourage primary care delivery,