A Year of Resillience and Advocacy for L.A. Physicians and Patients

This year required constant vigilance to protect health care and the practice of medicine. It began with devastating fires across Southern California that disrupted physician practices, displaced patients, and placed extraordinary strain on communities throughout Los Angeles County. In response, LACMA mobilized quickly to support physicians and practices on the front lines.

LACMA developed and deployed a Fire Recovery Toolkit to provide physicians and other healthcare workers impacted by the fires with timely guidance on practice recovery, regulatory flexibilities, staffing challenges, and patient communication during the crisis. LACMA also convened a Fire Recovery Resource Fair, bringing together trusted partners, service providers, and subject-matter experts to connect affected physicians with practical, real-time support. These efforts ensured that Los Angeles County physicians had access to clear information, peer support, and recovery resources when they were needed most.

Throughout the year, CMA remained deeply engaged at the federal level, pushing back against actions that threatened core public health protections and physician-led care. Advocacy efforts included opposing attempts to dismantle the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, challenging proposals that would weaken evidence-based public health policy, and fighting the inappropriate sharing of Medicaid patients’ sensitive data with the Department of Homeland Security. LACMA+CMA also opposed efforts to scale back the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, reduce federal loan limits, and impose new restrictions on gender-affirming care. At the same time, we continued advancing policies that protect access to care, including extending telehealth coverage, preserving ACA premium tax credits, and safeguarding Medicaid funding relied upon by millions of Californians.

Significant challenges also emerged at the state level. Governor Newsom’s May budget proposal diverted critical Proposition 35 funds to address budget shortfalls, putting physician reimbursement and patient access at risk. Following sustained pressure from LACMA+CMA and physician advocates statewide, the first tranche of Proposition 35 funding was released in late summer. While progress was made, continued advocacy remains essential to ensure these resources are fully protected and deployed as intended.

It has been one challenge after another, but LACMA+CMA remain steadfast. Together, we will continue to advocate for physicians, protect patients, and strengthen the communities we serve across Los Angeles County and throughout California.

Read more about these efforts and the full scope of advocacy in the CMA 2025 Year in Review.