Hospital Champions Senate Bill 1423: Strengthening Healthcare in Rural California

KING CITY, Calif., April 29, 2024 – on Monday, April 29 Mee Memorial Healthcare System stands with the rural communities of Monterey County in strong support of Senate Bill 1423. This crucial bill proposes vital changes to the Medi-Cal program that will significantly impact critical access hospitals (CAHs) and their ability to serve rural Californians effectively.

Across California, 37 CAHs tirelessly provide essential medical services to rural communities. Despite their pivotal role, these hospitals face financial challenges due to inadequate reimbursement rates for outpatient services under the current Medi-Cal structure, which fails to cover the actual costs of care. SB 1423 aims to rectify this imbalance, ensuring these hospitals can maintain necessary healthcare services and accessibility.

“SB 1423 is not just legislation; it's a lifeline for rural healthcare providers and their patients,” said Rena Salamacha, CEO of Mee Memorial. “It ensures we can continue delivering high-quality care right where it's needed, preventing our residents from having to travel extensive distances for essential services.”

The bill, which enjoys bipartisan support, has successfully passed the Senate Health Committee and now progresses to the Appropriations Committee. It seeks to revise the funding model to ensure that rural hospitals like Mee Memorial can sustain operations and continue to provide comprehensive healthcare services—from emergency and acute care to rehabilitative and diagnostic services.

Dr. Bruce Greenberg, a leading physician at Mee Memorial, emphasized the broader benefits of the bill: “By supporting SB 1423, we are not only advocating for the sustainability of rural hospitals but also for the health security of our community. This is about keeping essential healthcare services local and effective. We urge everyone to reach out to their legislators, express their support for SB 1423, and help us ensure that rural healthcare thrives.”

How You Can Help:

To aid in the passage of SB 1423 and advocate for equitable healthcare in rural areas, please contact your local legislator’s office. Express your support for the bill and emphasize the importance of accessible healthcare within your community.

About Mee Memorial Healthcare System:

Mee Memorial Healthcare System is dedicated to providing culturally sensitive, patient-centered healthcare with the highest standards of service. With a hospital in King City and multiple outpatient clinics, including the comprehensive Albert and Donna Oliveira Clinic in Greenfield, MMHS serves as the primary healthcare provider for nearly 80,000 residents across Southern Monterey County.

For more information, visit www.meememorial.com.

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