CalMedForce launches 2025–26 grant cycle, expanding GME grants for primary and specialty care

What You Need to Know: What You Need to Know: Applications are now open for the 2025–26 CalMedForce and CalMedForce+ grant cycle. With up to $98 million in funding in this cycle, support is available for residency programs and fellowships in both primary and specialty care. Programs may apply for new and expanding positions (and for primary care, existing positions as well). Applications close October 8, 2025, at 7 p.m. PT.

Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC), in partnership with the University of California, is pleased to announce that the FY 2025–26 CalMedForce and CalMedForce+ grant cycle is now open. This year, thanks to new funding from Proposition 35, eligibility has expanded to include other high-need specialties, plus more funding for primary care programs (family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, and emergency medicine), historically funded through Proposition 56. Residency and fellowship programs may apply for funding to support new, existing, or expanding positions (depending on specialty). More...

FDA restricts COVID-19 vaccine approval, deepening confusion for physicians and patients

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved updated COVID-19 vaccines. While this information was shared by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., through announcements on social media, the FDA has yet to issue proactive communication about the updated labels. The updates narrow the indications to adults 65 and older and for children and adults with “high-risk” conditions. Though the FDA has not defined high-risk, the vaccine labels reference the CDC’s list of “high risk” conditions, which covers most adults in the U.S. While physicians can still vaccinate people who do not fall into the established categories, the new limits and confusion around them is making it harder for some patients to access vaccines. More...

West Coast states launch new alliance to uphold science in public health

California, Oregon, and Washington this week announced the launch of a new West Coast Health Alliance to ensure public health decisions remain grounded in science. The move follows the Trump Administration’s removal of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director and shake up of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which state leaders warn threatens the health and safety of communities across the country. More...

CMA calls on physicians to speak out against Cigna’s unlawful downcoding policy

The California Medical Association (CMA) is urging physicians and medical groups to reach out to Cigna and share their concerns about the insurer’s new “Evaluation and Management Coding Accuracy” reimbursement policy, scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2025. The policy would allow Cigna to automatically downcode higher-level Evaluation and Management (E/M) services whenever it determines the encounter criteria on a claim does not support the level billed.

Physicians who dispute these downcoding decisions would be forced to file an appeal and submit supporting medical records via fax, creating substantial costs for both physicians and the plan itself. More...

New HHS rule promises to enhance drug price transparency and electronic prior authorization

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has finalized the Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability rule, which will require certified electronic health records (EHR) systems to offer real-time drug cost information and support electronic prior authorization—streamlining clinician workflows, reducing patient surprises and advancing administrative efficiency.

This rule will require certified EHR vendors to embed prior authorization, benefit verification, and e‑prescribing within their EHRs—enabling smoother workflows and eliminating burdensome manual steps like faxing and portal hopping. More...

CMA-sponsored prior authorization reform bills advance in Legislature

For too long, California patients have faced unnecessary delays in accessing care due to prior authorization red tape. Physicians spend hours each week fighting with health plans for approvals, while patients wait in pain, face delayed treatment, or risk serious harm. To address these harms, the California Medical Association is sponsoring two bills — AB 512 and SB 306 — that would significantly reform the state’s prior authorization system. More...

109 health systems honored for advancing physician well-being

Health systems and health care organizations across the country are making tangible strides to support the well-being of their physicians. By investing in programs that streamline workflows and build a culture of compassion and resilience, these trailblazing institutions are helping physicians reconnect with their purpose—and rediscover joy in the practice of medicine. 

Through their ongoing efforts to reduce physician burnout and enhance well-being, 109 hospitals, health systems and medical groups are being honored this year by the AMA Joy in Medicine® Health System Recognition Program. These organizations join a strong cohort of organizations from 2024. This brings the currently recognized total to 164 organizations, which represents 449,058 physicians. Each health system is recognized for a two-year period. More...

Want to switch residency programs? 5 things you should know

Nearly 39,000 medical students and other applicants were matched with residency positions in the 2024 Main Residency Match, an impressive feat of matchmaking. But not every match is made to last. If, from an individual resident’s perspective, your residency position starts to feel like a mismatch instead, a move may be possible—but you should know that switching residencies will be a different experience than the Match. More...

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