ACCMA News

Federal Government Shutdown and Issues Impacting Physicians

As of midnight, the federal government has shut down after Congress failed to pass a funding bill or short-term resolution. Medicare and Medicaid payments will continue, but several pandemic-era flexibilities expired on Sept. 30, including most Medicare telehealth services (with limited exceptions for ACOs and mental health/SUD care). Audio-only telehealth and the Acute Hospital Care at Home program have also lapsed.

CMS will continue essential operations with reduced staffing, but some activities—such as policy development, surveys, and outreach—are paused. A temporary 10-day hold on some Medicare claims has been implemented but should have minimal impact. Physicians may continue to submit claims, with payments released once the hold is lifted.

Other key programs that expired include community health center funding, NHSC, teaching health centers, and special diabetes programs. Congress has generally restored these retroactively, but negotiations remain ongoing. Enhanced ACA premium tax credits—which affect nearly 1 million Californians—are also at risk.

For reimbursement assistance, visit CMA’s resource page. Physicians experiencing Medicare payment delays should notify AMA advocacy staff at ama.advocacy@ama-assn.org with the subject line “Medicare Payment Delay.” or contact CMA here. 

 Please see the Telehealth guidance that CMA/AMA issued last week linked here. 

ACCMA will continue to provide updates as developments unfold.

CDPH Updated Vaccine Guidance

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has released updated vaccine guidance for the 2025–26 respiratory virus season to protect against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Following the passage of AB 144 on September 17, 2025, most commercial insurers and Medi-Cal managed care plans must cover CDPH-recommended vaccines, ensuring broader access for patients. In collaboration with the West Coast Health Alliance, CDPH continues to emphasize evidence-based recommendations and transparent data-sharing. Physicians are encouraged to review the updated guidance, counsel patients—especially those at higher risk—and verify insurance coverage when needed.

Key 2025–26 Vaccine Recommendations 
Physicians are encouraged to review CDPH’s vaccine recommendations: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Pages/public-health-for-all/publichealthforall.aspx   

ACCMA will continue to provide timely updates to support physicians in protecting their patients and communities.

President's Page: Defending Science and Protecting Vaccine Access

This summer, the Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association (ACCMA) published an op-ed in the East Bay Times warning of the growing threat posed by the federal government's politicization of vaccine policy. Un­der Health and Human Services Sec­retary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., we are witnessing a troubling shift: fringe  theories are no longer confined to social media - they are now shaping national health policy. 

As physicians, we know that vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements in modern medicine. From smallpox to polio to measles, immu­nizations have saved millions of lives and prevented untold suffering. But that legacy is now under threat. 

Since his confirmation, Secretary Kennedy has taken alarming steps: canceling scientific meetings, firing all 17 members of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and replacing them with individuals lacking expertise in immunol­ogy and infectious disease. He has pushed forward decisions without public input or scientific review - most notably, a recommendation to eliminate thimerosal from flu vaccines, despite longstanding CDC guidance affirming its safety. And recently, Secretary Kennedy cancelled over $500 million in contracts to develop mRNA vaccines, which will delay development of this cutting-edge vaccine technology. These actions undermine the credibility of our institutions and inject political ideology into what should be apolitical, science-based processes.

As vaccine confidence declines nationally, we are al­ready seeing the consequences locally: rising vaccine hesitancy, declining childhood immunization rates, and renewed outbreaks of preventable diseases. 

In this moment, Alameda and Contra Costa counties must be vigilant. That's why ACCMA is urging local officials to continue investing in evidence-based public health, to resist misinformation, and to ensure our communities - especially our most vulnerable populations-remain protected. 

We also call on you, our physician members, to keep doing what you do best: serving as trusted voices in the exam room and in your communities. The stakes are high, but we have the tools, the knowledge, and the platform to make a difference. 

We must continue to speak with clarity and unity: Vaccines work. Science matters. And we will not stand by silently while either is dismantled. 

This issue's guest columnist is Doctor Robert Edelman, ACCMA Past President and co-author of the op-ed that was published in the East Bay Times. 

ACCMA Honors Member of the Month

Each month, ACCMA proudly honors a you know a physician who goes above and beyond, creating a lasting positive impact in their community? Share their story with us! ACCMA is seeking nominees for Member of the Month to be highlighted on its social media platforms.  Do you know a physician who goes above and beyond to serve the community and help others? Maybe you know a physician who made an outstanding positive impact?  We want to know. Please complete the form below and tell us why your nominee should be recognized.  Thank you for your participation in acknowledging and celebrating our dedicated members.
Please direct any questions to Christine Maki, Membership Engagement Manager, at cmaki@accma.org.

Nominate a Member: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=BXUhrzImSUuTLiprh_AdVPfUCzPzrXlLnIgmXPPpM3ZUNFJWRjFLQlFTMFJJTFlNVFpCSUpUQzVLWi4u&utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&_kx=W5Q3PVDJimNRin5FqctZWA.Y8xNpq

ACCMA/CMA Membership Invoice Is Coming Soon!

ACCMA/CMA Membership Invoice Is Coming Soon!

We’re gearing up for the 2026 membership cycle—and want to make sure you’re ready to lock in your early bird discount! Here’s what to know:  Invoices will be emailed in late September and mailed in early October. Early bird pricing ends November 30—a full month earlier than in past years. New this year: The membership drop date is now February 1. To avoid delays (and missed savings), please take a moment to confirm your contact info is current. Email:  accma@accma.org Call: (510) 654-5383 Thank you for standing with us and supporting organized medicine through ACCMA and CMA.

DEA & CMS Warn Physicians About Scams

Two federal agencies have recently issued warnings about scams targeting physicians in attempts to gain access to medical records or personal information and even to fraudulently obtain payments. In one scheme, the scammer—presumably seeking personal information—impersonates a Drug Enforcement Administration agent and tells physicians that they are under investigation. In the other scheme, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services says Medicare providers and suppliers are being targeted and are receiving requests for medical records or payment of alleged Medicare debts. https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/sustainability/dea-and-cms-warn-physicians-they-are-being-targeted-scams

ACCMA Nominating Committee Presents Nominees for 2025-2026 Slate of Officers

The ACCMA Nominating Committee is pleased to share its slate of nominees for positions up for election this year. You can view the full list in the Electoral Structure Report.

According to ACCMA Bylaws, any active member may submit additional nominations. If additional nominees are submitted, a contested election will be held by mail ballot in September between the nominee(s) and the Committee’s candidate(s).

The deadline to submit nominations is August 31, 2025.

August Member of the Month: Dr. Sharon Drager

Celebrate Dr. Sharon Drager — ACCMA’s Member of the Month for August! 

We’re proud to honor Sharon Drager, MD as the Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association’s (ACCMA) Member of the Month for August! 

A dedicated vascular surgeon, Dr. Drager served patients across Alameda and Contra Costa Counties until her retirement in 2022. She operated a successful medical practice in San Pablo and was committed to providing care to patients from all walks of life. A passionate advocate, she fought to keep Doctors Medical Center in San Pablo open, recognizing its vital role in the community—an impact that was deeply felt when the hospital ultimately closed in 2015. 

Though retired from clinical practice, Dr. Drager remains deeply involved with ACCMA. She chairs the Finance Committee, serves on the Executive Committee, and previously led the association as President (2000–2001). She also actively contributes to the Legislative and Judicial committees. 

Congratulations, Dr. Drager! Thank you for your remarkable contributions to medicine and your unwavering dedication to our community. 

ACCMA Op-ed Published in East Bay Times

Published this weekend in the East Bay Times, our op-ed, authored by ACCMA Past-President Dr. Robert Edelman and ACCMA Executive Director Joe Greaves, calls out the dangerous, anti-science agenda being pushed by HHS Secretary RFK Jr. Vaccines are one of the greatest public health successes of modern medicine, having saved millions of lives, protected entire generations from disability and death, and fortified our communities against the spread of infectious disease. Since his confirmation, Kennedy has systematically eroded confidence in vaccines and his fringe views are increasingly becoming the policies of the United States government, carrying real consequences for the health and safety of our nation.

Executive Director, Joseph Greaves Named AAMSE President 25-26

Joseph Greaves, Executive Director of the Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association, has been installed as President of the American Association of Medical Society Executives (AAMSE) for 2025–2026. As President, he will help guide AAMSE’s mission to support professional development, collaboration, and excellence among medical society executives nationwide. Greaves has been an active member of AAMSE for over 15 years, serving on numerous committees and as a graduate of the AAMSE Leadership Academy. He is looking forward to leading AAMSE’s continued commitment to strengthening the role of medical societies in shaping the future of health care.