San Mateo County Medical Association

04/15/2026

California is seeing a concerning rise in measles cases, with multiple outbreaks already reported in 2026—the highest levels in years. Most cases are linked to unvaccinated individuals, highlighting ongoing risks to community health.

Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the spread and protect vulnerable populations.

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A measles outbreak in the Sacramento region, the largest in California this year, has brought the state’s year-to-date measles cases to 39 — far surpassing yearly totals for the last several...

04/08/2026

San Mateo County Medical Association was pleased to meet today with Cait Voorhees, Chief of Staff to Assemblymember Diane Papan, during Legislative Advocacy Day in Sacramento.

We appreciated the opportunity to discuss several important healthcare and public policy issues impacting physicians, patients, and our communities — including the growing concerns around e-bike safety. Conversations like these are critical to advancing thoughtful policies that support public health, patient care, and community well-being.

SMCMA looks forward to continuing the conversation and collaborating with Assemblymember Diane Papan's office on these important issues.

04/08/2026

San Mateo County Medical Association was pleased to meet with Assemblymember Marc Berman today in Sacramento during Legislative Advocacy Day.

We appreciate the opportunity to engage in thoughtful conversations around healthcare policy and the issues that matter most to physicians and the patients we serve. These discussions are essential to advancing policies that strengthen the healthcare system and support access to quality care.

Thank you, Assemblymember Marc Berman, for taking the time to meet with our physicians and hear directly from the medical community.

04/08/2026

San Mateo County Medical Association was proud to be in Sacramento today for Legislative Advocacy Day.

We’re grateful to Senator Josh Becker for taking the time to meet with our physicians and engage in meaningful conversations around policies that impact patient care and the medical community. Discussions like these are critical to ensuring physicians can continue delivering high-quality care across our region.

Thank you, Senator Becker, for your partnership and commitment to improving healthcare in California.

04/07/2026

A growing physician shortage is colliding with immigration barriers that may further limit access to care—especially in underserved communities.

Foreign-trained and international physicians play a critical role in the U.S. healthcare workforce, particularly in shortage areas where patients already face long waits and limited access. Policies that make it harder for these physicians to train and practice in the U.S. could deepen existing workforce challenges and strain patient care.

As healthcare access remains a top concern across California and the nation, physician workforce policy matters.

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Physicians from 39 countries are being pushed out of U.S. hospitals as a policy blocks their ability to work.

04/06/2026

Physician organizations continue to raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of Medicare physician payment.

Even with a recent one-time increase, many physicians say payment rates still do not keep pace with rising practice costs—putting continued access to care at risk.

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The final rule takes effect Jan. 1. The AMA will be sharing with CMS its real-world impact. Here’s what it could mean for your practice.

04/06/2026

A proposal from Assemblymember Marc Berman would establish a Physician Health and Wellness Program in California to support physicians seeking help for substance use and related concerns.

Supporting physician wellness is essential to maintaining a strong healthcare workforce and protecting patient safety.

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04/06/2026

California is taking steps to reduce prior authorization delays and administrative burden on physicians.

State Sen. Josh Becker’s SB 306 aims to eliminate unnecessary prior authorization requirements for services that are routinely approved, helping improve timely access to care for patients.

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Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law Senate Bill 306, a CMA-sponsored bill that delivers critical reforms to the prior authorization process.

04/03/2026

Medicaid cuts don’t just affect coverage — they can also put hospitals and patient access at risk.

A new report highlighted in NBC News warns that hundreds of hospitals across the country could face serious financial strain if Medicaid funding is reduced, with rural and safety-net hospitals especially vulnerable. These kinds of policy changes can have real consequences for patient care, physician practice, and access to essential services.

Read more:
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/medicaid-cuts-threaten-hundreds-hospitals-new-report-finds-rcna265789

Together, the hospitals provide care for nearly 7 million patients across the U.S., according to the analysis.

03/31/2026

SMCMA was proud to host our 2026 National Doctors’ Day Mixer yesterday at Donato Enoteca in Redwood City!

Thank you to all the physicians who joined us for an evening of connection, conversation, and camaraderie. We are grateful for your dedication and service to our community.

📸 View the full photo album here: 182660414@N08/albums/72177720332825896/" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/182660414@N08/albums/72177720332825896/

03/30/2026

The American Medical Association is urging policymakers to exempt physicians from a proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee, warning that the added cost could worsen physician shortages and reduce access to care for patients.

International physicians play an important role in delivering care, especially in underserved and high-need communities. Policies that make physician recruitment more difficult can directly affect patient access and workforce stability.

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The $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications threatens access to physician-led care, particularly for patients in rural and underserved communities.

03/27/2026

San Mateo County leaders have pulled support for a proposed treatment center at 101 N. El Camino Real, reigniting discussion around the need for expanded behavioral health and substance use treatment services on the Peninsula.

As communities continue to face growing behavioral health needs, access to treatment and recovery services remains a critical public health issue.

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Just a week after the state awarded $25 million for a new behavioral health facility in San Mateo, some county supervisors are yanking their support after a barrage of resident