Tulare Times

Following recent concerns about federal funding for Medi-Cal, Assemblywoman Alexandra M. Macedo has reached out to Governor Gavin Newsom. The issue arises after a report by CalMatters revealed that the Governor's administration missed a deadline to secure federal funds meant to enhance healthcare access for Medi-Cal recipients.

In a letter dated April 21, 2025, Assemblywoman Macedo expressed her concerns to Governor Newsom, pointing out the administration's oversight which occurred on March 31. She stated, “Your Administration missed a critical deadline – on March 31 – to obtain millions in federal dollars to cover increased healthcare access for Medi-Cal patients, according to CalMatters and testimonies by Administration officials before the Legislature.”

Macedo stressed the importance of state funding complemented by federal dollars to aid Californians in need. She mentioned that missing the deadline to apply for a State Plan Amendment, necessary for Medi-Cal rate adjustments, might result in doctors and hospitals not receiving expected rate increases as promised by Proposition 35. This ballot measure was passed by 68% of voters in November.

Furthermore, she warned that the state might lose federal matching funds intended for the Medi-Cal program for the first quarter of 2025. "This will have a significant impact on the ability of our constituents – and all Californian’s relying on Medi-Cal – to get the access to care they need," she said.

The letter highlighted the particular challenges faced by rural communities, which have high poverty levels and significant populations of people of color. In the Central Valley, for example, 57% of the population is Hispanic/Latino, and 45% live on an income significantly below the federal poverty line.

Macedo urged the Governor to create a Proposition 35 implementation plan, stating, “On behalf of the millions of Medi-Cal patients, I ask you, as Governor, to provide a Proposition 35 implementation plan to ensure that the will of the voters is followed, and that the poor and most vulnerable will have access to the medical services that you have promised them year after year.”

Assemblywoman Macedo underscored the urgency, inquiring, "When will you be submitting your proposal to the federal government for approval? It would be tragic to miss out on funding that should be available to improve access to health care in our communities during 2024-25 Fiscal Year by failing to act now.”

Assemblywoman Macedo represents the 33rd Assembly District, which includes Tulare, Kings, and Fresno Counties.