Understanding California’s Budget Process

January 2011

Governor Jerry Brown released his proposed budget on January 10th, which will now move through the legislative process. The budget must be reviewed by the Legislature and pass both houses with a two-thirds vote. It then goes back to the Governor, who can reduce or eliminate items. If tax increases are called for, they must be approved by voters before they can be applied.  California’s fiscal year begins July 1.

UNAC/UHCP is currently reviewing the Governor’s proposed budget and will issue its recommendations on the items that impact patient care. Medi-Cal is among the significant cuts proposed, which would:

• Apply dollar caps to various services;
• Limit prescriptions (except life-saving drugs) to six per month;
• Limit doctor visits to ten per year.