E-Newsletter

PHYSICIANS: I wanted to draw your attention to a recent San Diego Union Tribune Op–Ed authored by 211 San Diego and the University of San Diego Non–Profit Institute. SDCMS has long partnered with 211 San Diego to further our vision of ‘Physicians United for a Healthy San Diego’. I serve on the 211 Board along with SDCMS Treasurer Rakesh Patel, MD.

The Op–Ed, Nonprofits Crucial to Cushioning Blow From Lost Federal Funding, highlights the importance of nonprofit organizations, such as our own Champions for Health, in our community, and the challenges presented by recent national policy shifts. During the fall federal government shutdown, calls for emergency food assistance surged to six times the average weekly level.

Due to changes from HR 1 (the Big Beautiful Bill), administrative expense funding for food support programs will drop from 50% to 25%, opening a $1.6 million hole. We will likely see similar needs in health care due to HR 1 impacts to the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies and pending Medi–Cal work requirements.

We had significant discussions on physician workforce issues, prior authorization reform and Medicare funding. We also learned of an important opportunity to push for ameliorating the disastrous cap on loans for medical students. The next two to three years will require tremendous vigilance on the part of physician advocates at both the state and federal level given the state’s on–going budget deficit and the impacts of HR 1, the ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ which will impose dramatic cuts to health care funding.

This event will directly benefit Champions for Health programs which address the needs of medically underserved residents within San Diego County, including Project Access San Diego and Immunize San Diego.

There is no charge for current society members or their guests to attend this hosted event as included in SDCMS’ benefit offerings. Space is limited and RSVPs are required, so REGISTER NOW.

“Every day, health care gets crazier. Defunding Medi–Cal, collapsing ACO subsidies, hospital upheaval from pandemic, inflation, cyberattacks and shifting government mandates. Shell games by insurance and pharma, rising health inequity in an increasingly divided society. Growing public distrust of all authority, including physicians, scientists, public health.   At this moment, trustworthy health information can protect physicians, patients and the general public. An informed public can muster the political will to support the health policies we all need, including insurance reform and so much more.   KPBS — TV, radio and now podcasts, internet and social media — has grown its voice in health care at a time when the UT and other local media have cut back their commitment to local health care reporting. When the federal government clawed back $1.1 billion in public funding, KPBS lost some $4.3 million, or 12% of its annual budget.   Despite losing federal support, our San Diego community has increased its support for this year. However, the permanent loss of federal funding means a $4.3 million hole, year after year. The best way to fill this gap going forward is to attract new, sustaining members. If you are already a member of KPBS, consider increasing your support.   Public information is an important force multiplier for SDCMS–CMA advocacy. Please consider becoming a sustaining member at KPBS, link is HERE. For more information about supporting KPBS through your IRA, please visit HERE.”

As always, let me know if you have any questions! Paul Hegyi, CEO