Coping with Medi-Cal’s growing funding crisis

For many years California has had the notable distinction of having the lowest reimbursement rates in the country for Medi-Cal, its program to subsidize health costs for the poor. But because of the state’s budget crisis, Medi-Cal is getting even skimpier, with a new 10 percent cut taking effect. Toby Douglas, who oversees the Medi-Cal program, argues that recipients will continue to have access to critical health services. But in a question-and-answer session with senior writer Emily Bazar, he acknowledges that they may have to see a different doctor, at a different time, at a different location.