The May Revision to the state budget removes the increase to Medi-Cal reimbursement rates originally proposed by the governor in January. Contact your representatives to convey how important this rate increase is to you and for California's safety net. 

The Legislature can reject these cuts. Lawmakers need to hear from you by June 15. Call your legislator's capitol office EVERY DAY and be sure to send a message using COA's automated system below.

Post the following sample messages on social media and tag your representatives to help COA put pressure on lawmakers.

The California Optometric Association released the following statement today in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revision budget proposal. COA President Dr. Chistopher Gee said: 

“California’s optometrists are deeply disappointed that today’s budget proposal would compromise Californians’ access to essential eye care by further delaying already long-overdue provider rate increases. While the budget protects the state’s expansion of the Medi-Cal program, eye doctors serving communities across our state know that investment won’t translate into care for children, families, and seniors if providers can’t afford to stay in the program. 

The proposed delays are particularly devastating for eye care, as optometry has been excluded from past provider rate increases. In our recent survey of California optometrists, 9 out of 10 reported patients have a hard time finding a Medi-Cal provider in their area, more than 10% reported leaving the Medi-Cal program in the last 2 years. 

Whether it’s learning in a classroom, driving on our roads, or working, clear vision helps Californians thrive. Eye health is also a window into our overall health. Optometrists’ accessibility, diversity, and close ties to communities are the reason first diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension, and cancers are often made by optometrists. 

We urge the legislature to protect Californians’ access to essential eye care by rejecting delays in Medi-Cal provider rates for optometry.”