Feminism-feminism-25785879-240-200The following was emailed to Cal Catholic by one of our correspondents on June 15. The correspondent added that the 40% increase for abortion contrasts with the 10% cut for the rest of Medi-Cal.

Page 347 of the May 2014 Medi-Cal Local Assistance Estimate for fiscal years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 contains the specific language about the state’s plans:

The California Department of Health plans to “increase reimbursement rates for pregnancy termination services under Medi-Cal by 40%.”

The background for the 40% increase is presented on page 346:

“Until greater utilization of the most effective birth control methods (LARCs) occurs, for those women that have disparate access to family planning services, prescriptions for less effective methods of birth control, are victims of birth control sabotage, or other circumstances beyond their control, an increase in reimbursement rates for pregnancy termination services is warranted.

“These sensitive services must be immediately accessible statewide and provided in a very timely manner. Early statewide access insures services are less costly, whereas lack of access results in increased ongoing expenses for years. An increase in reimbursement rates will provide early and consistent access to services and significant cost-avoidance.”

To get link to pdf of the Calif. Dept. of Health document with this information, click here.