L.A. Physicians, Clinics Fight to Protect Medicaid Coverage

Organized by Wesley Health CEO Al Ballesteros (top right), the rally drew hundreds of physicians and community members, including LACMA physician Dr. Ilan Shapiro (bottom right), who joined the call to protect Medicaid and Medi-Cal.

More than 40 community health organizations, physicians, and advocates rallied Wednesday outside Wesley Health Centers to oppose proposed federal cuts to Medicaid and California’s Medi-Cal program.

Organized by Al Ballesteros CEO of Wesley Health Centers as part of a statewide Medicaid Day of Action, the event highlighted the program’s role in covering over 15 million Californians, including children, seniors, veterans, and working families.

“If these cuts go through, we won’t have the capacity to serve our patients,” said Dr. Ilan Shapiro of AltaMed. “That means fewer doctors, fewer nurses, and ultimately, less health for our communities.”

Martha Santana-Chin, CEO of LA Care Health Plan, warned California could lose up to $20 billion annually, jeopardizing care for the state’s most vulnerable.

"We're going to lose something like 10 to 20 billion dollars in revenue every single year to support the work that we're doing. This is massive. It will be devastating," said Santa-Chin.

LACMA CEO Gustavo Friederichsen and other LACMA physicians joined the rally, standing alongside patients, nonprofits, and clinic representatives.

“This is about protecting or physicians, their patients and access to care for everyone in our communities,” Friederichsen said.

Republican leaders argue the cuts target waste and fraud, but Democrats warn millions could lose coverage. “They’re literally robbing the poor to give to the rich,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles).

The rally was part of a broader call urging Congress to reject the proposed cuts.