Latest news with #Proposition56
Associated Press
30-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Prop 56 Cuts: Patients Will Suffer from Lack of Access to Proper Dental and Oral Healthcare – Leading to Severe and Costly Chronic Health Problems
ORANGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 30, 2025-- Western Dental, California's largest Medi-Cal dental provider, with 223 offices in 35 counties across the state, will be forced to close offices if the current proposal to cut Proposition 56 funding moves forward. The company is evaluating the extent of the expected closures, along with other measures to offset the significant impact to dental offices. Proposition 56, a measure overwhelmingly passed by California voters in 2016, directed revenue from a new tobacco tax to increase access to care for individuals and families that qualify for Medi-Cal (California's version of Medicaid) dental services. Prop 56 has not only made it possible for California dentists to provide access and care to more patients but also allowed new providers to open their doors and create a more stabilized and equitable health care system throughout the state, including areas where dentists were previously in short supply for everyone. 'Medi-Cal dental has been significantly under-resourced for decades. Proposition 56 provided critical funding that helped Western Dental open more than 100 new offices across the state and serve millions of patients, many in underserved areas who were otherwise without access to care,' said Preet Takkar, Chief Executive Officer of Western Dental. 'The current budget proposal represents dramatic cuts to dental reimbursement rates, which would make it impossible to keep many of these new offices open, while also impacting additional practices statewide. This proposal would reignite the dental access crisis that existed before the passage of Prop 56 and would ultimately cost the state more in the long run. Unfortunately, dental practices like ours across California will have to make tough choices—reassessing staffing, hours, and office locations—if this funding is eliminated.' Today, Western Dental employs more than 4,000 people in California, including more than 750 dentists and hygienists who provide more than 1 million Medi-Cal patient visits every year. 'Dental care is more than just getting your teeth cleaned. It's essential primary care for children and systemic care for adults,' said Dr. Peter Truong, Western Dental's Chief Dental Officer. 'If dental care is eliminated or reduced, patients suffer adverse health consequences, including tooth decay, gum disease, systemic health issues and social and economic impacts that are far more costly to treat. Eliminating access to dental care will have significant health consequences for millions of Californians. 'Western Dental will be forced to make hard decisions in the coming weeks and months, should Prop 56 funding be eliminated. Unfortunately, that will likely include closing as many as 50 offices, reducing staff in many offices and reducing the number of Medi-Cal dental patients each practice is able to treat. The choices made by the Governor and California State Legislature will have a direct and immediate impact on access to necessary health care and jobs lost should Prop 56 funding be redirected and removed from dental care' added Mr. Takkar. About Western Dental Western Dental has been serving California communities for over 100 years, with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable dental care. With over 200 locations across the state, Western Dental provides a full spectrum of services including general dentistry, orthodontics, and pediatric care — creating a convenient, comprehensive 'Dental Home' for families across California. As part of the Sonrava Health family of brands, Western Dental shares in the mission to expand access and drive innovation in dental care. View source version on CONTACT: Media Contact Ron Trujillo [email protected] KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PUBLIC POLICY/GOVERNMENT PRACTICE MANAGEMENT STATE/LOCAL MANAGED CARE PUBLIC POLICY GENERAL HEALTH HEALTH DENTAL SOURCE: Western Dental Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 05/30/2025 11:00 AM/DISC: 05/30/2025 11:01 AM
Business Wire
30-05-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Prop 56 Cuts: Patients Will Suffer from Lack of Access to Proper Dental and Oral Healthcare – Leading to Severe and Costly Chronic Health Problems
ORANGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Western Dental, California's largest Medi-Cal dental provider, with 223 offices in 35 counties across the state, will be forced to close offices if the current proposal to cut Proposition 56 funding moves forward. The company is evaluating the extent of the expected closures, along with other measures to offset the significant impact to dental offices. Proposition 56, a measure overwhelmingly passed by California voters in 2016, directed revenue from a new tobacco tax to increase access to care for individuals and families that qualify for Medi-Cal (California's version of Medicaid) dental services. Prop 56 has not only made it possible for California dentists to provide access and care to more patients but also allowed new providers to open their doors and create a more stabilized and equitable health care system throughout the state, including areas where dentists were previously in short supply for everyone. 'Medi-Cal dental has been significantly under-resourced for decades. Proposition 56 provided critical funding that helped Western Dental open more than 100 new offices across the state and serve millions of patients, many in underserved areas who were otherwise without access to care,' said Preet Takkar, Chief Executive Officer of Western Dental. 'The current budget proposal represents dramatic cuts to dental reimbursement rates, which would make it impossible to keep many of these new offices open, while also impacting additional practices statewide. This proposal would reignite the dental access crisis that existed before the passage of Prop 56 and would ultimately cost the state more in the long run. Unfortunately, dental practices like ours across California will have to make tough choices—reassessing staffing, hours, and office locations—if this funding is eliminated.' Today, Western Dental employs more than 4,000 people in California, including more than 750 dentists and hygienists who provide more than 1 million Medi-Cal patient visits every year. 'Dental care is more than just getting your teeth cleaned. It's essential primary care for children and systemic care for adults,' said Dr. Peter Truong, Western Dental's Chief Dental Officer. 'If dental care is eliminated or reduced, patients suffer adverse health consequences, including tooth decay, gum disease, systemic health issues and social and economic impacts that are far more costly to treat. Eliminating access to dental care will have significant health consequences for millions of Californians. 'Western Dental will be forced to make hard decisions in the coming weeks and months, should Prop 56 funding be eliminated. Unfortunately, that will likely include closing as many as 50 offices, reducing staff in many offices and reducing the number of Medi-Cal dental patients each practice is able to treat. The choices made by the Governor and California State Legislature will have a direct and immediate impact on access to necessary health care and jobs lost should Prop 56 funding be redirected and removed from dental care' added Mr. Takkar. About Western Dental Western Dental has been serving California communities for over 100 years, with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable dental care. With over 200 locations across the state, Western Dental provides a full spectrum of services including general dentistry, orthodontics, and pediatric care — creating a convenient, comprehensive 'Dental Home' for families across California. As part of the Sonrava Health family of brands, Western Dental shares in the mission to expand access and drive innovation in dental care.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Prop 56 Cuts: Patients Will Suffer from Lack of Access to Proper Dental and Oral Healthcare – Leading to Severe and Costly Chronic Health Problems
The largest Medi-Cal Dental provider in the state likely to shutter dozens of offices across California ORANGE, Calif., May 30, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Western Dental, California's largest Medi-Cal dental provider, with 223 offices in 35 counties across the state, will be forced to close offices if the current proposal to cut Proposition 56 funding moves forward. The company is evaluating the extent of the expected closures, along with other measures to offset the significant impact to dental offices. Proposition 56, a measure overwhelmingly passed by California voters in 2016, directed revenue from a new tobacco tax to increase access to care for individuals and families that qualify for Medi-Cal (California's version of Medicaid) dental services. Prop 56 has not only made it possible for California dentists to provide access and care to more patients but also allowed new providers to open their doors and create a more stabilized and equitable health care system throughout the state, including areas where dentists were previously in short supply for everyone. "Medi-Cal dental has been significantly under-resourced for decades. Proposition 56 provided critical funding that helped Western Dental open more than 100 new offices across the state and serve millions of patients, many in underserved areas who were otherwise without access to care," said Preet Takkar, Chief Executive Officer of Western Dental. "The current budget proposal represents dramatic cuts to dental reimbursement rates, which would make it impossible to keep many of these new offices open, while also impacting additional practices statewide. This proposal would reignite the dental access crisis that existed before the passage of Prop 56 and would ultimately cost the state more in the long run. Unfortunately, dental practices like ours across California will have to make tough choices—reassessing staffing, hours, and office locations—if this funding is eliminated." Today, Western Dental employs more than 4,000 people in California, including more than 750 dentists and hygienists who provide more than 1 million Medi-Cal patient visits every year. "Dental care is more than just getting your teeth cleaned. It's essential primary care for children and systemic care for adults," said Dr. Peter Truong, Western Dental's Chief Dental Officer. "If dental care is eliminated or reduced, patients suffer adverse health consequences, including tooth decay, gum disease, systemic health issues and social and economic impacts that are far more costly to treat. Eliminating access to dental care will have significant health consequences for millions of Californians. "Western Dental will be forced to make hard decisions in the coming weeks and months, should Prop 56 funding be eliminated. Unfortunately, that will likely include closing as many as 50 offices, reducing staff in many offices and reducing the number of Medi-Cal dental patients each practice is able to treat. The choices made by the Governor and California State Legislature will have a direct and immediate impact on access to necessary health care and jobs lost should Prop 56 funding be redirected and removed from dental care" added Mr. Takkar. About Western Dental Western Dental has been serving California communities for over 100 years, with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable dental care. With over 200 locations across the state, Western Dental provides a full spectrum of services including general dentistry, orthodontics, and pediatric care — creating a convenient, comprehensive "Dental Home" for families across California. As part of the Sonrava Health family of brands, Western Dental shares in the mission to expand access and drive innovation in dental care. View source version on Contacts Media ContactRon Trujilloron@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Newsweek
15-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Planned Parenthood Turns on Gavin Newsom
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. California Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed $322 billion budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year includes a $500 million cut to health care provider payments funded by Proposition 56, a move that Planned Parenthood says would significantly hinder its ability to offer essential health services across the state. Newsweek contacted Newsom's office and Planned Parenthood for comment. Why It Matters The elimination of these funds would deeply affect organizations such as Planned Parenthood, which relies on the money to serve low-income and marginalized communities. Prop 56 pays for family planning and women's health providers to make room for funding the voter-mandated Proposition 35, which expands Medi-Cal—California's Medicaid program financed equally by the state and federal government. Planned Parenthood of Los Angeles CEO Sue Dunlap speaking as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass looks on at a news conference on April 10, 2023. Planned Parenthood of Los Angeles CEO Sue Dunlap speaking as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass looks on at a news conference on April 10, To Know The $500 million reduction specifically targets incentive payments to health care providers that serve Medi-Cal patients. These funds are primarily distributed through Proposition 56, a tobacco tax initiative approved by voters in 2016. The revenue was earmarked for expanding and improving access to Medi-Cal services, which serves about 15 million Californians. Newsom's budget proposal, part of the governor's attempt to close a projected $12 billion budget deficit, would eliminate about half a billion dollars in Proposition 56 supplemental payments in the fiscal year 2025-26 and cancel an additional $900 million in planned increases in subsequent years, The Washington Post reported. "Because of Prop 35 and the fact that it is burdened over the next 2 fiscal years by $4.6 billion, it's increased the budget deficit, we are trying to figure out ways of offsetting that," Newsom said, according to Oakland news station KTVU. Jodi Hicks, the president of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, told KTVU that the cuts would slash the organization's annual budget in the state by a third. "We called California the beacon of hope for anyone that needs health care, come to California," Hicks told KTVU. "So it's a little bit of whiplash that now we're proposing these cuts." "Over 85 percent are on public programs, including Medicaid, and some of the most vulnerable patients, and so we're severely restricting access to women's health," she continued. Hicks said Newsom was "effectively defunding Planned Parenthood in the state of California," KCRA 3 reported. She then wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "Happy to go on his Podcast and explain why this devastates women's health in his state." Izzy Gardon, a spokesperson for Newsom, told KCRA 3 that the funding changes were conveyed ahead of the announced budget proposal. "At a time when Donald Trump and Mike Johnson are working to gut access to basic reproductive care, Governor Newsom is not going to sign a budget that would shut down health clinics across California," Gardon said. "Any suggestion otherwise is laughably absurd." What People Are Saying Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California wrote on X: "Here's what you need to know about @CAgovernor's May Budget Revision: 1. It decreases funding for sexual & reproductive health care providers by half a billion $. 2. It would eliminate 1/3 of PP in CA's annual funding. 3. It effectively defunds Planned Parenthood in CA." California state Representative Maggy Krell wrote on X: "At a time when access to reproductive healthcare is under attack & Congress is proposing to defund Planned Parenthood & cut Medicaid, California must do more." What Happens Next Newsom and Democratic lawmakers remain under pressure to balance fiscal responsibility with maintaining California's progressive health care promises. The outcome of these budget negotiations will signal how the state prioritizes its most vulnerable residents in times of economic strain.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Planned Parenthood 'outraged' by Newsom's proposed budget
OAKLAND, Calif. - Governor Gavin Newsom announced a proposed revised budget to address economic disruptions by the federal government. In the revised budget, the governor makes significant cuts to reproductive health services, like Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California said the cuts would essentially defund the organization in California. The backstory The governor said his proposal is adjusting for a projected $12 billion shortfall caused by what he calls a "Trump slump." The revised budget eliminates half a billion dollars towards Proposition 56, which pays for dental, family planning, and women's health providers to make room for funding the voter-mandated Prop 35, which expands Medi-Cal. "Because of Prop 35 and the fact that it is burdened over the next 2 fiscal years by $4.6 billion, it's increased the budget deficit, we are trying to figure out ways of offsetting that," said Newsom. What they're saying The CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California Jodi Hicks, who supported the passing of Prop 35, said the organization is outraged by the revised cuts, because they would slash Planned Parenthood's annual budget in California by one-third. She also argues the cuts go against Governor Newsom's promise to protect abortion access. "We called California the beacon of hope for anyone that needs health care, come to California. So it's a little bit of whiplash that now we're proposing these cuts," said Hicks. The organization said the cuts impact some of their most vulnerable patients. "Over 85% are on public programs, including Medicaid, and some of the most vulnerable patients, and so we're severely restricting access to women's health," Hicks said. This comes after Congress debated whether or not to defund Planned Parenthood services at the federal level. What's next "We'll certainly be fighting back and working with the legislature to ensure that these do not move forward," she said. Meanwhile, Newsom said he plans to keep his promise to support women's reproductive rights. "I absolutely am committed to any adjustments that we can make in partnership with the legislature to address those anxieties in the spirit of our support that has historically been placed," he said. Moving forward, negotiations will begin, and within a couple of weeks, legislative leaders will come to an agreement on a finalized budget, which will be announced in June.
