California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed eliminating acupuncture as a covered benefit under Medi-Cal, the state’s public health insurance program, in an effort to address a massive budget shortfall. The move has alarmed patients and healthcare providers who argue the treatment is essential for pain management and cultural accessibility.
Key Highlights:
- 🏛️ Proposal: Acupuncture to be cut from Medi-Cal benefits
- 💰 Reason: Part of Gov. Newsom’s plan to close a projected $45 billion budget deficit
- 👩⚕️ Affected: Low-income Californians who rely on acupuncture for chronic pain, addiction, mental health, and more
- 🗣️ Community Response: Widespread criticism from healthcare providers and patients, particularly in immigrant and Asian American communities
- 📆 Timeline: Could take effect later in 2025 if approved by the state legislature
Details:
Budget-Driven Health Cuts
Acupuncture was added to Medi-Cal in 2020 and has since become a widely used alternative therapy. Newsom’s proposed cut is part of a broader effort to trim healthcare spending amid a growing state budget deficit.
Concerns from the Ground
Patients say acupuncture has been a lifeline for managing chronic pain, PTSD, and opioid dependency — often offering relief where pharmaceuticals fall short. Providers argue the cut would disproportionately affect communities of color, who may prefer or culturally trust traditional treatments.
Political Outlook
State lawmakers and advocacy groups are urging the governor to reconsider, noting that eliminating this service could worsen health disparities and increase long-term healthcare costs. The proposal is still subject to negotiation in the final budget process.
Summary:
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to cut acupuncture from Medi-Cal coverage has sparked strong backlash from patients and providers. As the state faces a budget crisis, critics argue the move would harm vulnerable communities and limit access to effective, culturally relevant care.
