STATE : Judge Orders State to Make Medi-Cal Payments Immediately
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SACRAMENTO — A federal judge today said the state should immediately pay about $515 million for Medi-Cal services and the in-home program that provides money for people who care for the elderly and disabled.
U.S. District Judge Jack E. Tanner said he would formally sign the disbursement order later today, but he told state authorities to prepare to make the payments.
Tanner’s announcement marks the latest in a series of state and federal court actions requiring the state to issue checks for Medi-Cal, welfare and health care services.
Tanner said the budget deadlock in the state Assembly should not impede the payments, declaring the state is bound to provide the money even if its political leaders cannot agree on the budget.
“Thank you, judge, I love you!” shouted one spectator from the back of the courtroom.
The state Department of Health Services said Tanner’s order would free about $489 million in Medi-Cal funds for a variety of providers of medical services. It also applies to about $25 million in In-Home Supportive Services funds.
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