RELEASE: Friedman Announces New "Medi-Cal Response Specialist” for Constituents Access, Slams GOP Medicaid Cuts
Above: Friedman with local Medi-Cal patients announcing a new “Medi-Cal Response Specialist.”
LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, May 28, 2025, at the Saban Community Clinic, U.S. Representative Laura Friedman (CA-30) announced the launch of a new Medi-Cal Response Specialist in her district office — a caseworker dedicated to helping constituents resolve Medi-Cal issues rapidly, often in days instead of months.
This announcement comes amid growing concern about deep cuts to Medicaid under the Republican-led reconciliation bill, which would slash more than $1.1 trillion in federal healthcare and nutrition assistance programs for hardworking Americans in order to deliver tax breaks to billionaires.
A recording of the announcement can be found here.
“In the face of Republican cuts to Medi-Cal, I’m announcing a new Medi-Cal Response Specialist in my office to help constituents cut through red tape and get answers fast,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “Too many people are waiting months for care they urgently need — and that’s unacceptable. This is about getting people real help, when they need it most. Medi-Cal isn’t just a program — it’s cancer treatment, preventive care, and it’s help keeping aging parents healthy. I’ll keep fighting to protect it from the cruel cuts Republicans are pushing in Washington.”
ABOUT FRIEDMAN’S MEDI-CAL RESPONSE SPECIALIST:
The Medi-Cal Response Specialist will assist constituents with Medi-Cal-related issues, including delays, denials, and eligibility challenges. Constituents in California’s 30th Congressional District can contact Rep. Friedman’s office for help navigating Medi-Cal and accessing the care they deserve.
WHAT THE GOP RECONCILIATION BILL MEANS FOR OUR COMMUNITY:
- 3.4 million Californians at risk of losing healthcare coverage statewide.
- 25,000+ residents in CA-30 could lose Medicaid coverage under the GOP proposal.
- 9,000+ more in the district could lose ACA coverage.
- $22 billion in federal Medicaid cuts could shutter clinics and cut off critical services in L.A.
COMMUNITY VOICES: RUSSEL & INGRID:
The announcement featured powerful testimony from two local leaders who’ve relied on Medi-Cal — and now advocate for others:
- Russel, a fifth-generation resident of California and longtime resident of Los Angeles, credits Medi-Cal with making his prostate cancer diagnosis possible. A patient board member at Saban for 13 years, he’s used Medi-Cal for primary and dental care, and now fights to protect it for others.
- Ingrid, born and raised in Southern California, turned to Medi-Cal after years in corporate America left her uninsured. As a member of Saban’s Patient Advocacy and Executive Boards, she’s seen the system’s flaws up close. She described delays, denials, and the fear of losing access to care as “a life-or-death reality” for many.
Below: Friedman with local Medi-Cal patients announcing a new “Medi-Cal Response Specialist.”
