A student stands over a patient, needle poised. They have a “perfect” prescription: a textbook combination of points harvested from a lecture slide on chronic lower back pain. But as the needle meets the skin, the student hesitates - the symptom of a quiet habit that has taken hold of our profession. We routinely say we “prescribe” points. It sounds efficient. It echoes the authority of biomedical culture and fits neatly into the insurance field. But vocabulary is never neutral; repeated long enough, it dictates behavior.
California Poised to Cut Acupuncture From Medi-Cal
- California State “Governor’s Proposed 2024-25 May Revision” cuts acupuncture as Medi-Cal Benefit, starting January 2025.
- Please find your local legislators, complete the included letter with your information, and send it to them no later than 5/28/24.
- Also share on social media, alumni groups, tell your teachers, patients and families to write and call their reps now.
Editor’s Note: The following was submitted by the California Acupuncture Coalition.*
Dear Community,
California State “Governor’s Proposed 2024-25 May Revision” cuts acupuncture as Medi-Cal Benefit, starting January 2025. This cut will stop the existing acupuncture services for millions of much needed Medi-Cal beneficiaries, and negatively impact the acupuncture profession in California.
Due to our short window to make any change, we are asking you to:
- Find your local Senator and Assembly Member: https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/
- Make a copy of this letter. Complete it with your information, and send it to your Assembly Member no later than 5/28/24.
- Share on social media, alumni groups, tell your teachers, patients and families to write and call their reps now. (Feel free to share/comment on CSOMA's Instagram & Facebook posts.)
*This statement is endorsed by the pre-eminent professional associations within the field of acupuncture in California. Representing the largest English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean language groups, referred to as the umbrella organization: The California Acupuncture Coalition (CAC).
Dr. Chulong Xue, AACMA President; Tiffany Tuftee, LAc, CSOMA; Dr. Bon Cho, AKAMAC President; Dr. Saori Minota, JAAC President; Dr. Xiaoqin Zhu, ASCM President; and Dr. Jane Hongmei Li, CAUA President.