California Defers Medi-Cal Budget Decisions to Incoming Governor

California lawmakers finalized the 2026-27 state budget without resolving major Medi-Cal policy questions, leaving decisions on coverage, workforce, and program financing to the incoming governor who takes office in January 2027. The budget action affects California's Medi-Cal managed care program, which serves over 15 million enrollees through contracted health plans. Deferred issues include provider payment rates, eligibility and enrollment policies, behavioral health funding structures, and workforce development initiatives that directly impact MCO operations and financial performance.

Managed Care · Finance · Behavioral Health