esses Comprehensive cae since 1953, March 25, 2015 Senator Ed Hernandez Chair, Senate Health Committee State Capitol, Room 2191 Sacramento, CA 95814 Dear Senator Hernandez, (On behalf of Wellspace Health, | am writing to express our opposition to SB 346 because of serious concerns regarding the impact the bill will have on existing partnerships between hospitals and community benefit organizations like ours. ‘As you know, California's community benefit law has been in place and working since 1994 and serves as a model for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This unnecessary legislation, SB 346, conflicts with provisions of the ACA and will increase costs for the state’s ‘government and hospitals to comply with inconsistent federal and state reporting requirements. Currently, hospitals work collaboratively with communities and stakeholders to assess local health needs and tailor services and investments to address each community's specific needs. WellSpace Health has embraced this collaboration and is making great strides in ensuring that our most vulnerable populations have the health care services they need. ‘WellSpace Health is a multi-service organization that currently operates eight regional ful-time Federally Qualified Health Center {FQHC) primary care clinics with onsite integrated mental health and addictions treatment services, 4 satellite clinics, two residential ‘treatment centers, and four children’s dental ci \Wellspace Health believes the partnerships between hospitals and community benefit organizations lke ours are critical in ‘addressing local health care needs. WellSpace Health values the partnerships we have with Sutter Health, Dignity Health and kaiser Permanente as well as UC Davis Medical Center. $8 346 does nothing to strengthen successful community benefit partnerships like ‘ours and could lead to program cutbacks throughout California, impacting the diverse and vulnerable populations we serve. ‘SB 346 Is nearly identical to similar measures (AB 503 in 2014, AB 975 in 2013) that were debated and overwhelmingly defeated in the Legislature, SB 346 and its predecessors represent a political solution for which no problem exists. By eliminating the ability of hospitals to tailor programs to their specific community's needs, SB 346 would limit access to care, cause deep medical cuts and harm the partnership between hospitals and community benefit groups. Policy makers and health care providers must focus on expanding access to quality, affordable medical care, as well as services lke those provided by WellSpace Health. $8 346 imposes vague, unrealistic and costly mandates that will ultimately limit access not enhance it, We respectfully urge your opposition, in order to preserve vitally-needed services like ours. ‘A. Jonathan Porteus, Pho Chief Executive Officer Ce: Senator Richard Pan ‘Assembly Member Kevin McCarty Executive Offices: 1820 J Street | Sacramento, CA 95811 | p: 916.313.8413 | f: 916.444.5620 | wellspacehealth.org