Senator Boxer Endorses Anti-MICRA Ballot Initiative

But changes to MICRA could further drive up health costs in California.

By Maria Jennings 

Please take a moment to contact Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) to inform her that the proposed ballot initiative will harm quality and access to care throughout the state of California, and urge her to change her mind. You can email the senator here, or call her DC office directly at 202-224-3553.

On Monday, March 31st, Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) endorsed the proposed ballot initiative that would change the Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA) and raise the limit of medical malpractice compensation to $1.1 million.

Senator Boxer has publicly stated that she believes current limits on medical malpractice compensation are "unfair" in terms of compensation for victims and their families.

The California Medical Association (CMA) has come out strongly against raising the limits on medical malpractice suits. CMA President Richard Thorp commented that lifting the cap would further drive up health costs in California, as it would force doctors to spend more on malpractice insurance.

"This is a flawed and dangerous measure that's going to increase lawsuits, raise health costs, and reduce health access everywhere in our state," Thorp said in a recent statement. "Californians don't want it because California can't afford it."

Opponents of the MICRA ballot initiative include CMA, as well as Planned Parenthood of California, the California Hospital Association, the California Children's Hospital Association, the California Family Health Council and the American Medical Association. View a full list of MICRA supporters here.

To stay up to date on the fight to protect MICRA, follow the CMA's news updates, and follow the Santa Cruz County Medical Society on Twitter.