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California is boosting reimbursement payments for doctors and dentists who treat the state’s poorest residents. It’s part of an incentive to expand access under Medi-Cal, which offers free or low-cost health coverage to more than 13 million people — a third of the state’s population.

“The ultimate goal here is to make sure Medi-Cal beneficiaries get access to care when it’s needed, where it’s needed,” said Dr. Ted Mazer, an ear, nose and throat surgeon and president of the California Medical Association. “Instead of what Medi-Cal beneficiaries have been going through for years, which is struggling to get care.”

Under the new state budget, doctors are receiving a pay hike for several services, including preventative care and regular office visits. The $2 billion program is funded in part by Proposition 56, a state tobacco tax that took effect last year.

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