When the COVID-19 health crisis subsides, the contributions by healthcare providers to lessening the suffering of the population will be one of the pandemic’s major stories. But when the lessons learned in 2020 become part of necessary changes in healthcare-related laws and regulations, will physicians personally take part in that conversation?

A new JAMA study of almost 350,000 patients found that more than 20 percent of surgical patients received a bill for an unexpected unpaid balance averaging more than $2,000. Medical bills can be usual after emergency care visits or non-surgical hospital stays, but the study highlights how common “surprise billing” is, even when patients select in-network providers.

CAP is committed to keeping members apprised of federal and state funding opportunities for practices facing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic.

Webinar

Financial Relief for Medical Practices through the CARES Act (H.R. 748)

View the On-Demand Webinar and Access Materials Here

Funding Opportunities

The $222 billion state budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 submitted by Gov. Gavin Newsom in January shows a continuing priority on the expansion and accessibility of healthcare. Overall, the 2020 budget proposal mirrors themes and items from the 2019 budget, with signs of the Governor expanding previous priorities.

CAP’s Public Affairs team sees an opportunity to give our members even more detailed information on legislative, regulatory, ballot, and political activities in California and on the federal level than can be handled in the monthly CAPsules public policy column. By becoming a CAP Public Affairs Insider, CAP members can remain more informed on legislative and regulatory activities affecting the practice of medicine and access to care as we move through a very busy year.