July 2, 2003 - Sacramento, CA -  Republicans propose to eliminate acupuncture from Medi-Cal; naturopathic doctor legislation amended to exclude the practice of Oriental medicine; ephedra bill amended.

Republican Caucus Proposes to Eliminate Acupuncture from Medi-Cal

Today, the Assembly Republican Caucus proposed that acupuncture and other selected services be taken out of Medi-Cal in order to trim the budget. Republicans are opposing any tax increases to make up for a decrease of over $35 billion in taxes due to the poor economy, and they are suggesting slashing expenditures everywhere. The Governor proposed taking all Medi-Cal options out of the budget, but both the Senate and the Assembly decided to keep them in. The Republicans’ proposal is a compromise, but at the expense of Medi-Cal patients who benefit from acupuncture, chiropractic, and other “optional” benefits. Now past the June 30 deadline for signing the budget, everything is up for grabs again.

What you can do:

Contact your Legislators every week and remind them not to take acupuncture away from Medi-Cal recipients. Ask them to keep all Medi-Cal optional benefits.