Some argue that Gov. Gavin Newsom’s budget for California doesn’t reduce the deficit enough. Budget hawks are suggesting an approach that disproportionately disadvantages patients with cancer and HIV/AIDS today — and threatens the medical innovations of tomorrow.

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) recently released a trailer bill proposal to increase minimum supplemental Medi-Cal rebates for HIV/AIDS and cancer treatments. The proposal would also prevent patients from accessing cutting-edge medicines and force others to undergo a burdensome pre-approval process.

The bill would give DHCS the authority to disintermediate healthcare providers and unilaterally remove medicines from the Medi-Cal formulary. The proposal also restricts opportunities for public input on for

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