Acupuncture is a natural therapy that is both cost-effective and free from side effects. Under Medi-Cal, it has provided a vital treatment alternative to the overuse of prescription medications for chronic severe pain, helping combat the opioid crisis. The Medi-Cal budget allocation for acupuncture is a small fraction of the total budget, yet it significantly benefits millions of Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

Governor Newsom’s May Revision of California’s 2025-2026 Budget proposes cutting this essential benefit. Eliminating acupuncture from Medi-Cal will force many patients back into reliance on prescription medications, exacerbating the opioid epidemic and increasing healthcare costs in the long run.

We urge Governor Newsom and state legislators to reconsider these cuts and maintain acupuncture as a covered benefit under Medi-Cal. Please sign this petition to protect access to this crucial treatment option for millions of Californians!