ACCMA works in close partnership with CMA to fight for you and your patients. We are your voice in Sacramento, Washington DC, and in our county and municipal governments. At any given time, we are focused on dozens of critical issues impacting medical practice. You play a critical role in our advocacy efforts.
We are pleased to share an overview of our upcoming Advocacy Education Series now live and on demand. This program brings together insights from advocacy experts to help physicians better understand how health policy is shaped—and how they can become effective advocates.
This series is designed to be practical, engaging, and immediately applicable to your professional role. Participants can expect:
Learn how the legislative process works and what resonates with policymakers, develop effective communication strategies using clear messaging and storytelling, gain practical tools to move from identifying a problem to creating a solution, and build the confidence and skills needed to drive meaningful change for patients and communities.
We look forward to your participation in this important and timely series. Please let us know if you have any questions. Sign up today!
The Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association (ACCMA) has submitted formal comments opposing two proposed federal regulations that would restrict access to certain pharmaceutical and surgical gender-affirming care services for children and adolescents.
One proposal would prohibit hospitals from participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs if they provide specified puberty-blocking medications, cross-sex hormones, and gender-affirming surgical procedures to patients under age 19. The second proposal would prohibit federal matching funds under Medicaid and CHIP for those same pharmaceutical and surgical interventions when furnished to individuals under age 19.
ACCMA’s comments primarily focused on the following areas:
We recognize that ACCMA members hold a range of personal and professional views on gender-affirming care, and the Association does not presume unanimity on these issues. What unites us is a shared and longstanding professional principle that the practice of medicine should be governed by clinical judgment, scientific evidence, and the physician–patient relationship – not by ideological or political mandates imposed through federal financing policy.
The public comment period for both proposals is open through February 17, 2026. Members who wish to review the proposed regulations or submit comments in their individual capacity consistent with their own professional judgment may do so at:
• Medicare Conditions of Participation proposal: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/19/2025-23465/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-hospital-condition-of-participation-prohibiting-sex-rejecting • Medicaid/CHIP funding proposal: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/19/2025-23464/medicaid-program-prohibition-on-federal-medicaid-and-childrens-health-insurance-program-funding-for
Questions or concerns may be directed to accma@accma.org.
The District IX Delegation, representing the Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association, played a leading role at this year’s California Medical Association (CMA) House of Delegates, where delegates debated critical issues affecting the practice of medicine and our medical associations. District IX successfully achieved nearly all of our goals, strengthening CMA’s stance on federal health policy threats, reproductive and gender-affirming care, and internal governance reform. Two ACCMA members were also given awards in recognition of their dedication and leadership to the profession.
Defending Care from Federal Threats
District IX delegates helped lead the charge to protect physicians and patients from ongoing federal efforts to restrict access to comprehensive health care. We advanced amendments ensuring that CMA will continue to support reimbursement for physicians assisting patients in maintaining coverage and eligibility for federal programs like Medicaid. CMA adopted new policy, advanced by our delegation, supporting comprehensive immigration reform and. Our delegation supported a suite of policy positions opposing the use of immigration enforcement actions that treat patients inhumanely or deter patients from seeking medical care, and we secured an amendment for CMA to support comprehensive immigration reform. Our delegation also emphasized the need for CMA to defend evidence-based medicine from government interference – whether in reproductive health, gender-affirming care, or public-health guidance.
We spoke forcefully in opposition to amendments that would have weakened our commitment to abortion access and funding for Planned Parenthood, affirming that abortion is an essential component of reproductive health. Likewise, we opposed efforts to limit access to gender-affirming care through arbitrary age restrictions or parental-consent requirements, recognizing that current standard of care reflects considerations based on age and the importance of parental involvement. The House upheld CMA’s longstanding policy that these clinical decisions belong between patients, families, and physicians – not lawmakers.
Strengthening Our Medical Associations
Our delegation also helped shape major reforms related to the governance of CMA and AMA. Our work helped ensure that California’s delegation to the American Medical Association continues to include delegates and alternates who are elected locally, providing vital two-way accountability – representing California physicians nationally while reporting back to their local medical societies. We also succeeded in strengthening CMA governance reforms by securing amendments to strengthen the role of the House of Delegates in overseeing and making decisions about policy resolutions that guide CMA’s advocacy agenda.
Honoring Our Own
Doctor Shagun Bindlish was awarded CMA’s 2025 “Compassionate Care Award” for her work as founder and president of the Golden State Obesity Society. This organization has created statewide, no-cost programs aimed at preventing chronic diseases, especially in communities facing health disparities.
Doctor Arthur Chen was honored with the 2025 Joseph F. Boyle, MD “Young at Heart Award”, for his long-time mentorship and allyship to trainees and early career physicians in encouraging leadership and advocacy. He has been a long-time advocate for health care for all and has held numerous leadership positions within the ACCMA and in our local medical community.
Looking Ahead
District IX’s successes at this House of Delegates meeting reflect our preparation, teamwork, and alignment of priorities. We will continue our work to defend evidence-based care, strengthen democratic governance, and ensure that CMA remains a responsive and representative voice for California physicians. If you would like to get involved in helping to shape CMA’s policy positions and priorities by joining our Delegation, please contact the ACCMA at accma@accma.org or by calling 510-654-5383.
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.
Standing Firm for Science, Equity, and Patient Care By Clifford Wong, MD, ACCMA President-Elect
In these challenging times for healthcare, when medical expertise is being questioned and hard-won patient protections are under threat, physician leadership has never been more critical. In response, the Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association (ACCMA) has formally adopted a new policy statement, “Protecting Our Patients and Community,” to clearly articulate our principles and guide our advocacy. This statement comes at a pivotal moment as we face simultaneous challenges to evidence-based medicine, healthcare access, and protections for vulnerable populations.
The ACCMA policy statement outlines three core areas of focus, the first of which is Evidence-Based Medical Practice. The statement affirms our commitment to defending vaccine science and combating misinformation, protecting federal funding for medical research, ensuring patient access to FDA-approved medications, preserving physician leadership in clinical guidelines, and strengthening public health infrastructure alongside global health partnerships.
The second area of focus is Healthcare Access Preservation in which we mandate our advocacy to oppose Medicare cuts that threaten senior care, protect Medi-Cal expansion and funding, and strengthen key provisions of the Affordable Care Act. We are also committed to making COVID-era telehealth flexibilities permanent, addressing physician shortages and burnout, and expanding access to behavioral health services.
The final area of focus in our policy statement is Vulnerable Patient Protections. We are committed to advancing health equity initiatives, safeguarding comprehensive reproductive care, ensuring access to medical services regardless of immigration status, and defending treatment options for gender-affirming care. This policy statement serves as our formal position on these critical issues. It declares our intent to challenge policies undermining medical science, resist funding reductions that limit care access, oppose restrictions on essential health services, and combat discriminatory practices in healthcare.
As ACCMA president-elect, I urge all members to familiarize themselves with this important policy statement, which is now the foundation of our advocacy efforts. It reflects our professional obligation to put patients first while upholding the highest standards of medical practice. The complete “Protecting Our Patients and Community” policy statement is available for review at www.accma.org. I welcome your engagement as we work to implement these principles in our practices and in the public arena.
Congress is threatening deep cuts to Medicaid – jeopardizing care for millions of Californians, including veterans, children, seniors, people with disabilities, and those served by safety-net hospitals and clinics.
Medicaid is under threat. Physicians can help protect it- Attend a local rally, use the new texting system below, or contact your member of congress via phone or email!
1. Attend a Local Rally with ACCMA Members:
There are two local rallies happening next Tuesday, May 13th from 11:30 am- 1:00 pm at Highland Hospital (1411 E. 31st St., Oakland CA) and Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (2500 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, CA). ACCMA is coordinating a group meet up at these rallies. If you plan to attend, please register here and let us know!
2. National Voter-to-Voter Texting Campaign:
Kaiser Permanente, the CMA, in partnership with the Protect Our Health Care Coalition, has launched a national voter-to-voter texting campaign to stop the cuts to Medicaid.
Here’s how it works: Volunteer to send texts to voters in key congressional districts, urging them to contact their Representatives. Your personal phone number will never be shared. Each message includes a simple link for voters to take action, amplifying your impact. All texts are pre-written and will be sent by you with a simple click!
It takes just minutes to get started.
Need help or have questions? Contact the volunteer coordinators directly at info@protectourhealthcare.org.
3. Write or Call Your Member of Congress:
Please write and call your member of Congress in their district and DC offices to tell them how these cuts would impact your patients, hospitals, clinics and community. The members of congress who represent ACCMA can be found here.
When calling, ask to speak to the healthcare/Medicaid staffer. Be sure to explain how cuts will affect your patients, practice setting, and ability to provide care.
Personal calls and handwritten letters get the most attention. So calls and letters (and then sharing your action if you’re active on social media) are the preferred method of outreach. Please encourage your friends, family and patients to reach out as well.
Your voice – and your time – can make the difference in protecting access to care for the 79 million Americans who rely on Medicaid for essential health care.
This is an URGENT CALL TO ACTION. Congress needs to hear from YOU on how devasting the potential $880 billion cuts to Medicaid would be.
Now that the House and Senate have adopted budget resolutions – the first step in the reconciliation process – the House plans to discuss Medicaid in the Energy and Commerce Committee in early May and pass a bill out of the House and Senate before the end of May. But they are negotiating behind the scenes right now.
Please WRITE and CALL your member of Congress in their district and DC offices to TELL THEM how these cuts would impact your patients, hospitals, clinics and community.
SEND A LETTER HERE
For calls, first: • ASK to speak to the healthcare/Medicaid staffer.
Then tell them: • WHO you are. • WHERE you live and/or practice. • WHAT your specialty/practice is. • HOW cuts will affect your patients, practice setting, and ability to provide care.
Sharing that you are taking part in this fight is important. Speak up NOW.
The members of congress who represent ACCMA are all listed at the bottom with office phone numbers for their district and DC offices and mailing addresses.
Congressmember Mark DeSaulnier –
Northeast Contra Costa County Concord Office Phone: (925) 933-2660 Antioch Office Phone: (925) 754-0716 DC Office Phone: (202) 225-2095 Mailing Address: 2134 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515
Congressmember John Garamendi –
Northwest Contra Costa and Solano Counties Vallejo Office Phone: (707) 645-1888 Richmond Office Phone: (510) 620-1001 Fairfield Office Phone: (707) 438-1822 DC Office Phone: (202) 225-1880 Mailing Address: 2428 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515
Congressmember Josh Harder –
Northeast Contra Costa and San Joaquin Counties Stockton Office Phone: (209) 579-5458 DC Office Phone: (202) 225-4540 Mailing Address: 209 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515
Congressmember Ro Khanna –
South Alameda and Santa Clara Counties Santa Clara Office Phone: (408) 436-2720 DC Office Phone: (202) 225-2631 Mailing Address: 306 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Congressmember Lateefah Simon –
North Alameda County Oakland Office Phone: (510) 763-0370 DC Office Phone: (202) 225-2661 Mailing Address: 1023 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515
Congressmember Eric Swalwell -
Southeast Alameda County Castro Valley Office Phone: (510) 370-3322 DC Office Phone: (202) 225-5065 Mailing Address: 174 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515
ACCMA Releases New Statement on Protecting Our Patients and Community
The Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association has published a new policy statement, “Protecting Our Patients and Community: Values and Priorities Guiding Our Response to Federal Threats to Health Care.”
Developed in response to mounting federal challenges to health care access, equity, and science-based practice, this document outlines the values and priorities that will guide ACCMA’s advocacy and public engagement in the months ahead. It affirms our commitment to evidence-based medicine, equitable care, and protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities.
As physicians, we have a responsibility to speak out against efforts to undermine the health of our patients and the integrity of our profession. This statement articulates a clear vision for how we can work together to safeguard essential health programs like Medicare, Medi-Cal, and the Affordable Care Act; defend access to reproductive and gender-affirming care; and strengthen our health care workforce and public health infrastructure.
You can view the full statement here.
We invite you to share this document with colleagues, community leaders, and policymakers as we continue to advocate for a health system rooted in science, compassion, and justice. Your voice and engagement are critical to this work, and we thank you for your membership and support.
Presidential administrations significantly impact the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities. Through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its agencies, presidential administrations have significant influence over how financial resources are allocated, the focus of federal research, and how our public health care insurance systems are managed, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Children’s Health Insurance Program, the Vaccines for Children program, Medicare, and Medicaid. These decisions impact all Americans but are usually felt most acutely by those most underserved and vulnerable.
As we embark on the next four years, the ACCMA is urging President Trump and his administration to make decisions that are based on facts, evidence, and science, just as physicians do for our patients every day. Like physicians, the new administration should first and foremost do no harm. Misinformation and disinformation must not guide policymaking decisions and undermine evidence-based public health strategies.
As physicians, we must reaffirm our commitment to evidence based medicine and redouble our efforts to educate our patients about what the evidence shows. Here are the facts: • Vaccines are safe, effective, and protect against life threatening disease such as measles, polio, tetanus, and meningococcal disease. Because of vaccine mis- and disinformation, there has been a resurgence in vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and whooping cough, endangering those who are too young or unable to be vaccinated. • Fluoride in drinking water at the recommended level of 0.7 parts per million, like we have in our EBMUD water, is safe and keeps teeth strong. Because 72.3% of the U.S. population has access to fluoridated water, there has been a reduction in cavities by about 25% in both children and adults. • Public health agencies are critical to preventing and responding to health crises in our communities. Federal funding and technical assistance allow local and state public health agencies to develop response plans, implement intervention strategies, and work with hard-to-reach communities. • Since the passage of the ACA in 2010, the number of uninsured Americans fell from 48 million in 2010 to 25.6 million in 2023. California has led the way by investing and expanding Medi- Cal. Voters affirmed this commitment by passing Proposition 35 in November, significantly expanding federal Medi-Cal funding.
These are just a few of the many issues we are likely to confront in the days, weeks, and months ahead. Regardless of the president in power, physicians will always put the best interests of our patients and communities at the forefront. We will continue to be a resource to our patients, providing evidence-based and scientifically proven information and striving to better their lives and our community's health. We urge this administration to do the same.
Preliminary results from the 2024 General Election are in and several candidates endorsed by ACCMA’s and CMA’s Political Action Committees (ACCPAC and CALPAC) are in strong positions to win. These include: John Bauters, Alameda County Board of Supervisors District 5 (leading with 53.42%), Jesse Arreguín, Senate District 7 (leading with 61.6%), Jerry McNerney, Senate District 5 (leading with 57.06%), and Anamarie Avila Farias, Assembly District 15 (leading with 63.4%). Tim Grayson, Senate District 9 (currently in first with 55.2%).
Update 12/4/2024: During its second reading at the December 3rd City Council meeting, the Council unanimously voted to pass this Ordinance and it will be come law.
Oakland City Councilmember Dan Kalb has introduced an ordinance that banned smoking and vaping on bar patios, as well as in multi-unit housing. However, the multi-using housing piece included an exemption for cannabis smoking/vaping. ACCMA strongly supports efforts to mitigate secondhand and thirdhand smoke, and ACCMA staff provided public comment at both the Oakland City Council Community and Economic Development Committee hearing on October 23rd and the first reading of the Ordinance at the November 12th full City Council meeting. ACCMA also sent a letter to all Councilmembers urging them to pass the ordinance and amend it to remove the cannabis exemption. The Council voted to pass the ordinance, however they decided to keep the cannabis exemption.
The Ordinance is required to have two readings before the City Council before final passage. The City Council is scheduled to consider the item again on December 3rd. You can read the letter here.
California voters have overwhelmingly approved Proposition 35, a historic investment in Medi-Cal, which serves 15 million Californians!
“California voters have realized a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a health care system that works for all Californians," said Shannon Udovic-Constant, M.D., president of the California Medical Association (CMA). "For too long, equitable access to health care has trailed behind growing eligibility and benefits provided by Medi-Cal.
"With the passage of Proposition 35, we are ensuring Medi-Cal receives the dedicated funding it needs to serve the millions of seniors, children, low-income families and people with disabilities in our state. Going forward we will be able to hire more physicians, first responders, paramedics and other health care workers to address the worker shortage and ensure Californians aren’t having to wait hours in the emergency room or months to get an appointment with a physician. And once the new law is implemented, doctors, hospitals, clinics and health centers will have much needed stability to serve the patients in their communities.
"This would not have been possible without the advocacy of our physician members and our more than 400 coalition partners. Our victory tonight is a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together to work for the thing that matters most: our patients. While there is much to celebrate, we realize this is just the beginning. CMA will continue to work with stakeholders and the state to realize the vision of Prop 35, and I am excited to move forward together.”
CMA co-chaired the coalition that put Proposition 35 before the voters in order to provide a dedicated, ongoing source of funding to increase access to health care. The passage of Prop 35 is particularly important to improve access to health care for the nearly 15 million Californians, including half of the state’s children, who are covered by Medi-Cal. Prop 35 also will grow the health care workforce in California, which will improve access to care for all Californians.
Election Day is approaching quickly! It is critical that you use your voice and vote this election cycle.
California State Propositions
ACCMA is strongly supporting Proposition 35: Medi-Cal Access to Care. California’s health care system is facing major challenges, including long wait times to a provider, crowded emergency rooms, and low re imbursement rates for providers. Prop 35 will address these challenges by using an already existing tax on Managed Care Plans, and federal matching dollars, towards investing in our states health care system. When enacted, Prop 35 will:
We strongly urge you to vote YES.
County and State-Level Candidates
ACCMA’s and CMA’s Political Action Committees (ACCPAC and CALPAC) are proud to support a number of candidates running for local and state office. These candidates have expressed support for ACCMA and CMA’s views regarding local health care issues. In addition to endorsing all incumbents, the endorsed candidates for open seats are below:
Resources
There are several ways that you can vote in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
Alameda County Election Information
Contra Costa County Election Information
California Statewide Ballot Measures
ACCMA sent a letter to Alameda County Board of Supervisor Keith Carson, who is the Chair of the Personnel/Administration/Legislation Committee (PAL), urging him and his colleagues to support Proposition 35. Proposition 35 is on the ballot this November and will protect and expand access to care to primary care and specialty care physicians, community health clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, family planning and mental health providers.
ACCMA sent a letter to Governor Newsom urging him to sign Assembly Bill ( AB) 2271, which will forgive over $17 million in state loans and protect approximately 400,000, mostly low-income Medi-Cal and Medicare patients, who rely on St. Rose Hospital’s services. ACCMA members include physicians who practice at St. Rose Hospital and understand the need to keep the hospital open. St. Rose is the only safety-net healthcare provider with emergency and maternity care services in southern Alameda County. Closing the hospital would result in even more crowding in our emergency rooms and longer wait times. Additionally, it would further exacerbate the disparities in timely access to care for Medi-Cal patients and availability of providers who are able to serve them.
During the month of August, ACCMA members will have the opportunity to meet with their Members of Congress. These important meetings are an opportunity to discuss the issues of highest priority to our physician members, including the need for Medicare payment reform to ensure an adequate number of physicians to provide timely care to seniors in our community, reducing Medicare administrative burdens that are negatively impacting patient care, ensuring that we are building a pipeline of young physicians by increasing the number of Graduate Medical Education residency training positions, and expanding access to care by permanently extending the expiring telehealth waivers. If you would like to attend one of these meetings, or are interested in learning more, please contact ACCMA Associate Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Brandon Azevedo, at bazevedo@accma.org.
Election day is on November 5th. ACCPAC and CalPAC are proud to support a number of candidates running for local and state office. These candidates have expressed support for ACCMA and CMA’s views regarding local health care issues. In addition to endorsing all incumbents, the endorsed candidates for open seats are below:
ACCMA has co-signed two letters related to clean air at the request of the American Lung Association. The first letter urges the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to authorize a series of waivers that will enable California to implement clean air programs that are projected to deliver over $116 billion in health benefits and save over 11,600 lives over the course of the programs in California alone. The second letter calls on the EPA to authorize California’s proposed standards that will transition large truck fleets, which are a major source of harmful air pollutants along with toxic diesel particulate matter, to zero-emission vehicles.
ACCMA, in partnership with the California Medical Association (CMA), other component medical societies, and a broad coalition of health care organizations, will be working hard this fall to ensure Proposition 35 is approved by voters in the November 5th election.
When enacted, Prop 35 will generate between $6-9 billion annually to:
Prop 35 is backed by both the California Democratic and Republican parties, and all major health care advocacy groups in the state, including CMA, Planned Parenthood, California Hospital Association, California Dental Association and the California Primary Care Association. Although there is no official registered opposition so far, Gov. Gavin Newsom has in recent weeks indicated he will oppose the measure so there are fewer restrictions on how legislators and the governor spend the money.
The basic premise of Prop 35 is simple: health care dollars should be spent on health care. Prop 35 will extend an existing tax on Managed Care Organizations (the “MCO tax”) that has been in place for nearly two decades to leverage billions in federal funds for California. Prop 35 will prevent the state from redirecting these funds for non-health care purposes, capping administrative costs at 1% and ensuring the remaining 99% is spent directly on expanding access to health care. Prop 35 also restricts the legislature from increasing taxes on private health insurance plans, thereby protecting health care consumers from higher health care premiums.
Overcoming potential opposition from a popular governor will require hard work, and we need your help. Physicians are trusted messengers across regional and partisan lines and are important advocates to ensure California votes Yes on 35 to protect and expand access to health care. Here are some key actions you can take:
Visit voteyes35.com to take action and learn more about Prop 35.
Help reform prior authorization by urging your legislator to vote YES on SB 516. SB 516 will reduce the number of prior authorization requirements and ensure your resources and time are invested in patient care, not unnecessary health plan bureaucracy.
The legislation requires health plans to submit a prior authorization report to the state with code approval rates and will remove prior authorization for all codes with a 90% or higher approval rate. The data reporting will spotlight how health plans are using prior authorization to deny care and gives the state authority to ban the use of prior authorization on a code-by-code-basis.
SB 516 will help streamline your work and ensure that health plans don’t get in between you and your patients.
Take Action Now!
Contact Your Elected Officials
Help advance our priorities by making a quick call, sending a short email, or tweeting your elected officials to show our strength and get our message across. Click here to find contact information.
Help elect candidates who share our perspective on health care issues by donating to CALPAC (at the state level) and ACCPAC (at the local level). These PACs are nonpartisan. Click here to contribute.