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Health Commission hears federal ruling, state vaccine law and DPH program investments
Summary
Director Garcia told the commission the U.S. Supreme Court upheld ACA subsidies, noted Governor Brown signed SB 277 tightening school immunization exemptions, and outlined state budget health investments and DPH initiatives including trauma-informed care and hepatitis C funding.
Director Garcia opened the Health Commission meeting with a series of policy and funding updates, saying the U.S. Supreme Court on June 25 "once again upheld the Affordable Care Act," preserving federal premium subsidies for many residents. She told commissioners that the courts 6-3 decision supports the stability of the law and the health insurance market and will preserve subsidies for millions of Americans.
Garcia also highlighted Californias recent state action. "Governor Brown signed SB 277 into law on June 30," she said, describing the measure as making the state's vaccination requirements among the strictest in the country and noting it will end nonmedical exemptions for school immunization. Garcia said the Department of Public Health (DPH) will work closely with the San Francisco school district on implementation and outreach.
On the budget front, Garcia summarized the 2015-16 state budget package and singled out health investments: full-scope Medi-Cal expansion for undocumented children up to age 19, $3 million for mental health wellness grants aimed at peer respite and local programs, $3 million for needle-exchange programs, $228 million for high-cost hepatitis C drugs and $2.2 million for a care-linkage pilot for people at risk of hepatitis C. "This new medication... does really cure hep C for some individuals," she said, adding local Hep C dollars were also provided.
Garcia told the commission that DPHs trauma-informed systems initiative has received national recognition and that the department will expand trauma-informed approaches across primary care, behavioral health, schools and correctional settings through a SAMHSA-supported effort. She also previewed the San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH) rebuild ribbon-cutting and thanked project partners and community groups for their roles in the new facility.
Commission members asked for follow-up reports. Commissioner Singer asked whether Laguna Honda Hospital would follow SFGH on policies limiting sugar-sweetened beverages; Garcia said the entire department will pursue a systemwide effort and return with an action plan. The director acknowledged additional reports would be provided to the commission as the department implements SB 277 and other policies.
The commission received the directors report for information and had no public comment on the item.
