North East Medical Services

As one of California's 40 Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), NEMS thanks Governor Newsom and the California Legislature for their support of PACE services in the 2026-27 state budget. The final budget provides funding for additional state nursing staff, helping eligible older adults access PACE services more quickly through a more timely enrollment process. It also preserves PACE funding by rejecting a proposed rate reduction, providing greater stability for the more than 30,000 older adults across California who rely on PACE for coordinated, comprehensive care that helps them remain healthy and independent in their communities.

A victory for patients across California! 🎉 Together, patients, healthcare professionals, and supporters helped protect Medi-Cal acupuncture coverage in the California state budget. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories and raised their voice to protect healthcare. Because of your efforts, thousands of Californians will continue to have access to the acupuncture care they rely on. Together, we can make a difference. #ProtectAcupuncture #MediCal #Healthcare #CommunityHealth #AcupunctureWorks #NEMS

"Acupuncture is not an alternative to healthcare. It is healthcare." Dr. Kenneth Tai, Chief Health Officer at North East Medical Services (NEMS), highlights why protecting access to acupuncture matters for California patients. Acupuncture is an evidence-based, cost-effective form of care that complements Western medicine and helps patients manage chronic pain, improve mobility, and enhance their quality of life. It also plays an important role in reducing reliance on opioids, emergency room visits, and more invasive treatments, helping patients get the care they need while lowering costs across the healthcare system. For thousands of Medi-Cal patients, acupuncture is not a luxury. It is a trusted, effective treatment that helps them stay healthy, independent, and engaged in their daily lives. Governor Gavin Newsom and California lawmakers must protect access to acupuncture for the communities that depend on it. #SaveAcupuncture #ProtectMediCal #AcupunctureWorks #HealthEquity #PainManagement #CommunityHealth #NonOpioidCare #HealthcareAccess #NEMS

Access to acupuncture is more than a healthcare issue, it's a commitment to providing Californians with safe, effective, and affordable options for managing pain and improving quality of life.   As conversations continue about the future of Medi-Cal acupuncture benefits, leaders like Assemblymember Alex Lee recognize the important role acupuncture plays in expanding access to non-opioid pain management and preventive care.   Investing in acupuncture means investing in healthier communities, better patient outcomes, and a healthcare system that offers more choices for those who need them most.   We are grateful for the champions who continue to advocate for protecting and expanding access to acupuncture across California.   Together, we can ensure this essential benefit remains available for current and future generations.   #SaveAcupuncture #ProtectMediCal #AcupunctureWorks #HealthEquity #PainManagement #NonOpioidCare #PreventiveCare #IntegrativeMedicine #HealthcareAccess

For many Latino families, healthcare is about more than treating symptoms, it is about staying healthy enough to work, care for loved ones, and remain active in the community.   Acupuncture provides a safe, non-opioid option for managing chronic pain, stress, and many long-term health challenges that disproportionately affect working families.   When access to acupuncture is threatened, the impact goes far beyond healthcare. It affects parents who need to keep working, grandparents managing chronic conditions, and families striving to stay healthy together.   Acupuncture is not a luxury.   It is preventive care, pain management, and an important pathway to wellness for thousands of Latinos in California.   Let's protect access to the care our communities rely on.   #SaveAcupuncture #LatinoHealth #HealthEquity #CommunityWellness #MediCal #PreventiveCare #AcupunctureWorks #IntegrativeMedicine #HealthcareAccess #SupportFamilies #NEMS

“Yet again, this funding has been put on the chopping block despite the many benefits acupuncture provides with low risk and little cost.   California must support health care access for our most vulnerable communities.   I urge the Legislature to push back strongly on this harmful cut to a critical form of healthcare, and to pass SB 944 to enshrine acupuncture as a protected benefit.”   — Senator Scott Wiener   #SaveAcupuncture #HealthEquity #IntegrativeMedicine #CommunityHealth #HealthcareAccess #AcupunctureWorks #PreventiveHealth #WholePersonCare #MediCal #NEMS

A broad coalition gathered to send a clear message to Governor Gavin Newsom: Acupuncture is essential healthcare for Californians.   At our recent press conference, healthcare providers, community leaders, advocates, and patients stood united to oppose proposed cuts to Medi-Cal acupuncture benefits and to protect access for the communities that rely on this care every day.   For many Californians, acupuncture means relief from chronic pain, support for long-term health conditions, and access to a safe, evidence-based, non-opioid treatment option.   These benefits should not be taken away from the people who need them most.   Together, tell Governor Newsom to protect acupuncture for future generations.   #SaveAcupuncture #ProtectMediCal #HealthEquity #AcupunctureWorks #HealthcareAccess #IntegrativeMedicine #CommunityHealth #CaliforniaHealthcare #PatientAdvocacy

For years, California has worked to reduce opioid dependence, invest in prevention, and expand access to healthcare. Eliminating acupuncture coverage for Medi-Cal patients moves us in the wrong direction. Acupuncture helps people manage chronic pain, recover from injuries, improve mobility, and maintain their quality of life, often reducing the need for more expensive interventions down the road. Protecting access to care isn't just the right thing to do for patients. It's a smart investment in California's future. Join us in urging Governor Newsom and state leaders to protect acupuncture coverage for Medi-Cal patients. #SaveAcupuncture #ProtectMediCal #AcupunctureWorks #HealthEquity #PainManagement #HealthcareAccess #CaliforniaHealthcare

On June 10th, North East Medical Services (NEMS) joined patients, healthcare providers, and advocates in supporting AB 1949, a bill authored by Assemblymember Alex Lee that would help protect and expand access to acupuncture for Medi-Cal patients. We're excited to share that the Senate Health Committee voted to approve the bill, which means it successfully cleared another important step on its journey to becoming law. If passed, AB 1949 would ensure Medi-Cal covers up to 24 acupuncture visits each year, with additional visits available when medically necessary. For many Californians living with chronic pain, recovering from injuries, or managing ongoing health conditions, acupuncture is a vital part of their care. This bill recognizes the important role acupuncture plays in helping people stay healthy, active, and out of more costly healthcare settings. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories and spoke up for patients. The work continues, but today was an encouraging step forward. #AB1949 #SaveAcupuncture #ProtectMediCal #AcupunctureWorks #HealthEquity #NEMS #CaliforniaHealthcare

Healthcare isn't just about treating illness, it's about preserving quality of life. Assemblymember Alex Lee, author of AB 1949, is standing up for patients who rely on acupuncture as part of their healthcare journey. For thousands of Medi-Cal recipients, acupuncture provides effective, non-opioid pain relief, improves mobility, and helps people stay healthy, independent, and productive. We thank Assemblymember Alex Lee for supporting access to evidence-based, culturally responsive care and for recognizing the vital role acupuncture plays in our healthcare system. #SaveAcupuncture #ProtectMediCal #AB1949 #HealthEquity #AcupunctureWorks #PainManagement #CommunityHealth #CaliforniaHealthcare