Action

Don't Cut CalHealthCares

California's proven solution for physician workforce shortages is under threat. In his May Revise, the Governor proposes “suspending” the next cohort of CalHealthCares and diverting $26 million in Proposition 56 funds for other purposes. The Legislature must reject this proposal.

The Legislature is making final budget decisions now.
Your voice matters!

CalHealthCares works – don't let proven success be eliminated.

California faces critical physician shortages, especially in communities serving Medi-Cal patients. About 11.4 million Californians live in a federally designated Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas. CalHealthCares directly addresses this crisis by incentivizing physicians and dentists to serve the patients who need care most.

CalHealthCares was created to help remove the financial barriers that prevent physicians from taking on substantial Medi-Cal caseloads. Applicants average more than $344,000 in educational debt. The program provides educational loan repayment to select physicians and dentists in exchange for a five-year commitment to serving Medi-Cal patients. Though the program requires awardees to have at least 30% of their patients covered by Medi-Cal, the average Medi-Cal payor mix is more than double that – 69%.

In his May Revise, the Governor proposes “suspending” the next cohort of CalHealthCares and diverting $26 million in Proposition 56 funds for other purposes. The Legislature must reject this proposal.

Proven Results: The First Cohort Shows CalHealthCares Works

97% of surveyed CalHealthCares awardees report they’ll continue serving Medi-Cal patients even after their commitment is over

As the inaugural cohort completes their five-year service commitments, the data proves this program works:

• 240 physicians and 38 dentists completed their commitments, receiving over $67 million in loan repayment
• 97% plan to continue serving Medi-Cal patients after their obligation ends
• Providers awarded had loan burdens ranging from $9,244 to $900,923, with an average of $396,768
• The program supports diverse specialties where they're needed most: family medicine (20%), pediatrics (19%), OB/GYN (18%), emergency medicine (16%), psychiatrists (16%), and dentists

“Having this program has definitely influenced my decision to stay at my practice site over the last few years and I plan to stay long term.” - CalHealthCares Provider

"I was able to provide the best care to the underserved community without crippling anxiety from the student loans." - CalHealthCares Provider

Why CalHealthCares
Must Continue

• Proven Results

First cohort shows 97% will continue serving Medi-Cal patients

• Growing Demand

Applications increased from 521 to 767 over the last three cycles – providers want to serve

• Voter Approved

Funded by Proposition 56 tobacco tax specifically to improve health care access

• Critical Need

11+ million Californians live in Primary Care Shortage Areas

The Stakes Are High

Without CalHealthCares, California will see:

• Longer wait times for appointments in underserved communities
• Increased travel distances for patients seeking care
• Higher emergency room utilization as patients delay primary care
• Worsened health outcomes for California's most vulnerable patients

Contact Your Legislators Now