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Los Angeles Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Gov. Newsom proposes ‘asset test' for low-income and disabled Medi-Cal applicants. What does that mean?
Millions of Californians who rely on Medi-Cal and In-Home Supportive Services could lose eligibility under a proposal requiring recipients to prove their assets total less than $2,000. Gov. Gavin Newsom's recent revised budget proposal highlighted a stark $37.6 billion increase in funding costs associated with Medi-Cal between the 2024 and 2025 fiscal year, compared to $17.1 billion in the 2014 through 2015 fiscal year. The dollar amount needed to fund the program is expected to continue rising over the next several years. The cost has been driven up by a surge in enrollment, pharmacy costs and higher managed care costs, according to the budget proposal. The Medi-Cal caseload reported an increase of 12.7 million recipients between 2019 and 2020 to 15 million in 2024 through 2025. Medi-Cal is the state's health care program that provides free or low-cost health coverage for those who qualify, specifically low-income adults and families, seniors and individuals with disabilities. In-Home Supportive Services provides in-home assistance to eligible aged, blind and disabled people as an alternative to out-of-home care. Newsom has proposed tackling the rising costs of the programs by reintroducing what is called the 'asset test' to limit eligibility for the Medi-Cal and In-Home Supportive Services programs. For decades, low-income seniors and those with disabilities had to pass the 'asset test' to be eligible for Medi-Cal and In-Home Supportive Services programs. That meant that a single applicant couldn't qualify if they had assets valued more than $2,000. The limit for a couple was $3,000. To determine whether someone had $2,000 or not, the state would look at a person's bank accounts, the amount of cash they had in hand and whether they had a second vehicle, among other analyses. In 2024, the test was eliminated, allowing all-income eligible people to apply for Medi-Cal's Aged and Disabled program, Med-Care Savings programs and Long-Term Care program regardless of assets. Newsom has proposed reinstating the 'asset test' and include in that evaluation the value of a person's primary home, vehicle or retirement fund for both Medi-Cal and Home Supportive Services programs. Reinstating the test would purportedly save an estimated $94 million this coming fiscal year, $540 million the next year and $791 million annually thereafter, which includes costs for Home Supportive Services, according to the California Department of Health Care Services. If approved, the 'asset test' would go into effect Jan. 1, 2026. Disability and health advocates are criticizing the governor's proposal, with the nonprofit group Disability Rights California calling it a willingness to 'sacrifice the health and human services of California's people, particularly the disabled, poor and elderly populations.' 'Disability Rights California and many others fought tirelessly for years to get this asset limit eliminated, finding it to be a deeply inhumane and punitive approach, the change just went fully into effect in 2024, and it is truly disturbing to see the Governor reverse course so quickly,' the nonprofit said in a statement. Reinstating the 'asset test' would result in 'people losing coverage and force older adults and people with disabilities into extreme poverty,' said the nonprofit organization California Health Advocates. The organization says the individuals who would lose coverage as a result of the proposed policy change could ultimately become 'Medi-Cal eligible again once they have exhausted any resources they have.' 'As a result of losing access to care, the costs to the state when they regain eligibility will likely increase because their condition will have worsened and they may no longer be able to live at home, thus requiring full time nursing facility care,' the organization said in a statement. Newsom defended his proposed budget cuts saying, 'None of this is the kind of work you enjoy doing — but you've got to do it. We have to be responsible. We have to be accountable. We have to balance the budget.' The Legislative Analyst's Office determined that seniors made up just under 10% of Med-Cal enrollment in December of 2024. The largest category of Medi-Cal enrollees is families, followed by childless adults aged 19 to 64 who qualify under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, seniors, persons with disabilities, children in the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and other enrollees. Families and enrollees of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act make up about three-quarters of Medi-Cal enrollment. Even though the number of senior enrollees is relatively low compared to other groups, the state spends heavily on them, with annual costs per enrollee of around $15,000 compared to $8,000 across other caseload categories. To fund most Medi-Cal programs for families, seniors and those with disabilities, the federal government provides a 50% match, compared to other programs like the Affordable Care Act and Children's Health Insurance Program which gets an enhanced match of 90% and 65%, respectively. 'While higher health care costs are expected as people age, seniors also carry higher state costs due to the standard federal reimbursement rate,' according to the report.
The Herald Scotland
13-05-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom new homeless plan to ban tent camping
The move comes as the state prepares for a surge of funding for homelessness and mental health after voters approved a multi-billion-dollar bond measure in November, and after a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2024 that opened the door to arresting and fining individuals for sleeping in public spaces. More: California failed to track how billions are spent to combat homelessness programs, audit finds The ordinance prohibits encampments that block free passage on sidewalks and in persistent locations, and includes a requirement that local officials provide advanced notice and alternate shelter to people in encampments prior to clearing them, according to the statement. The model ordinance is not a flat directive, giving local municipalities a guideline and an effective choice to implement the policies. The template will be provided to every community as a "starting point," the statement says, so jurisdictions can tailor it. California is the nation's most populous state and is home to a significant portion of the country's homeless individuals. Nearly a quarter of all unhoused Americans live in California, according to federal data and local studies. The two-term governor will join California Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson, the Director of the California Department of Health Care Services Michelle Baass and unnamed mental health leaders at 1 p.m. PT, according to a news release. More: The homeless population is increasing. Will Trump's second term make it worse? The event, which will be livestreamed across the governor's social media pages, is an "announcement regarding his administration's continued transformation of behavioral health services supporting California's seriously ill and homeless populations," the release says. "There's nothing compassionate about letting people die on the streets," Newsom said in the statement. "Local leaders asked for resources -- we delivered the largest state investment in history. They asked for legal clarity -- the courts delivered. Now, we're giving them a model they can put to work immediately, with urgency and with humanity, to resolve encampments and connect people to shelter, housing, and care." This story has been updated with new information. Kathryn Palmer is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kapalmer@ and on X @KathrynPlmr.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Newsom announces $3.3B in Prop 1 grants to expand behavioral health service
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday announced $3.3 billion in grant funding to expand access to behavioral health services across the state, launching the first wave of investments funded by Proposition 1, which voters approved in last year. The funding, administered through the California Department of Health Care Services, will support the creation of more than 5,000 residential treatment beds and over 21,800 outpatient treatment slots. The grants are part of the Proposition 1 Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program Round 1: Launch Ready awards. California sees 99.7% compliance in crackdown on intoxicating hemp products, Newsom says 'Californians demanded swift action to address our state's behavioral health crisis when they voted for Prop 1 in March 2024. Today, we're delivering our biggest win yet. These launch-ready projects will build and expand residential beds and treatment slots for those who need help. Whether it's crisis stabilization, inpatient services, or long-term treatment, we're ensuring that individuals can access the right care at the right time,' Newsom said in a statement. According to the state, California faces a shortage of more than 7,000 behavioral health beds. Newsom said Monday's awards are a step toward closing that gap and ensuring that residents have access to crisis stabilization, inpatient services, and long-term treatment when and where they need it. According to the governor's office, the awards issued during Round 1 will 'help to create a comprehensive behavioral health system.' The investment will support the state's long-term goal 'to reduce mental health crises, increase the availability of services, and support community-based solutions.' Newsom's office pushes back on report claiming 75% spike in California gas prices by 2026 A second round of BHCIP funding, known as Round 2: Unmet Needs, is expected to provide more than $800 million in competitive grants. A request for applications is expected to be released later this month. A list of Monday's awardees can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
City council could appoint acting city manager today
Apr. 30—An acting city manager could be named by the end of the day today. The Lodi City Council will hold a special closed session meeting at 5 p.m. to consider appointing an individual to take over administrative duties on a temporary basis in the wake of the fallout with City Manager Scott Carney. The council spent nearly three hours interviewing two candidates in closed session last Tuesday, after which Mayor Cameron Bregman said he was "ecstatic" about both. Carney was placed on administrative leave April 9, a week after he read a prepared statement during a council meeting alleging that city attorney Katie Lucchessi and city clerk Olivia Nashed edited staff reports without his knowledge or approval. He claimed the pair redacted parts of his approved reports protect some employees, and that internal reviews of purchasing activity revealed evidence of widespread misuse of public funds and city credit cards to purchase personal items. He added that there was resistance to his investigation among staff and that there was evidence the city had been failing as a steward of public trust. Bregman ordered Carney to stop speaking before he could finish his statement during the April 2 meeting. Bregman later said he stopped Carney from continuing because he began speaking about ongoing personnel investigations and a non-agendized item, which opened the city up to litigation that could cost "millions of taxpayer money." The Brown Act forbids city staff and elected officials from discussing personnel matters that are not placed on an agenda. The council appointed Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services director Christina Jaromay acting city manager on April 11, and Bregman said Carney's leave was expected to last 45 days. Bregman added the city would investigate Carney's claims of financial misappropriation while he was on leave. The council hired Carney last May to replace former city manager Steve Schwabauer, who retired in 2023. Prior to coming to Lodi, Carney served as the deputy director of administration for the California Department of Health Care Services for three years. He also served at Stockton City Hall from 2014 to 2020 before taking a sabbatical. Wednesday's meeting begins at 5 p.m. at Carnegie Forum, 315 W. Pine St. It will also be livestreamed at
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Child Mind Institute Launches "Mirror" Journaling App Co-Developed with Teens to Support Youth Mental Health
Research-backed journaling app offers a safe and supportive environment for self-reflection to enhance teens' emotional processing amid ongoing mental health crisis SAN MATEO, Calif., April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Child Mind Institute, in partnership with the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), launched Mirror, a free, intuitive mental health journaling app designed specifically for teens. Backed by Child Mind Institute's clinical expertise and available in English and Spanish, Mirror aims to enhance emotional processing and provide a supportive environment for self-reflection. Through text, voice, image, or video entries, daily mood tracking, guided prompts, and more, Mirror allows users a safe and secure space to self-express and understand patterns. Studies have shown that journaling helps restore physiological balance and improves control of emotional responses, potentially reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, journaling serves as a personal learning tool to help privately clarify thoughts, feelings, and actions. Mirror is not a replacement for therapy, but a tool to empower youth to take an active role in their mental health journey. "Young people today are navigating unprecedented times, growing up with social media's relentless pressure to curate a perfect life and the constant exposure to hateful, divisive content. Mirror offers an alternative to social media - an evidence-based, private space for self-reflection and emotional processing without the noise and judgment of traditional social platforms. Mirror is a part of California's strategy to support our youth's mental health, including our work with the Child Mind Institute on California Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids as well as the California Positive Parenting, Thriving Kids video series. Together, these and other tools provide young people and their families with real solutions to manage and improve their well-being," said California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. "The youth mental health crisis is ongoing, and there's a clear need for accessible mental health support for teens," said Harold S. Koplewicz, MD, president and medical director of the Child Mind Institute. "We understand that journaling can serve as a tool for self-expression, emotional regulation, and personal growth, especially when paired with mood tracking. With Mirror, teens have an accessible and private space to express themselves freely in writing, videos, or voice recordings to explore their emotions and develop self-awareness without fear of external judgment." Mirror was developed in close collaboration with adolescents, including those involved in the Child Mind Institute's Youth Mental Health Academy. Teens assisted with the selection of final app features and participated in regular workshops to review designs and select new prompts and greetings. They also took part in a beta testing program to gather ongoing user feedback and product usage statistics. While participating in a recent panel on stress reduction techniques and mental health fitness held at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Sophia Hartwell, UCLA student athlete, said, "I use the guided journaling as an outlet and to hone my focus in on the specific question that I need to answer. Then I can finally organize all of my thoughts and feel ready to go into the day with a goal and a plan to achieve it. I feel like the guided journaling helps me with that." Key Features of Mirror include: Multi-Modal Journaling: Self-expression through text, voice, image, or video entries. Mood Check-in: Track daily emotions easily in the app. Guided Journaling: Prompts designed to encourage self-reflection, emotional processing, and creative expression. Insights: Visualizations of mood patterns over time and summaries of entries provide clarity. Crisis Detection and Support: Quick access to emergency contacts and helplines, in addition to tailored entry summaries and support notifications using clinician-recommended language. All Mirror user data are encrypted. Teens' journal entries are theirs alone, are not monitored or stored by app developers or staff and are deleted from servers immediately after processing. Mirror is supported by both DHCS and the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), California's comprehensive approach to transforming access to behavioral health services and supports where lives are lived, including homes, communities, schools, health care settings, and online. WHERE TO FIND THE MIRROR APP: Mirror is available now on the App Store - Mirror Journaling + Insights and Google Play Store - Mirror Journaling + Insights for users older than age 13. ABOUT CHILD MIND INSTITUTE: Child Mind Institute is the leading independent nonprofit in children's mental health, providing gold-standard, evidence-based care, delivering educational resources to millions of families each year, training educators in underserved communities, and developing open science initiatives and tomorrow's breakthrough treatments. To learn more about the Child Mind Institute, please visit Also, visit Child Mind Institute on social media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Reporters with questions may contact the Child Mind Institute press team at mediaoffice@ ABOUT THE CYBHI: The CYBHI is part of Governor Gavin Newsom's Master Plan for Kids' Mental Health, a historic investment in the mental health and well-being of California's children and youth. CYBHI is intended to transform the way California supports children, youth and families. Built on a foundation of equity and accessibility, the CYBHI works to reimagine a more integrated, youth-centered system that meets the needs of all young people, particularly those who face the greatest systemic barriers to wellness. The initiative aims to enable California kids to find support for their mental health and substance use needs where, when and in the way they need it most. Learn more about Governor Gavin Newsom's and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom's Mental Health Movement for California. View original content: SOURCE Child Mind Institute Sign in to access your portfolio
