The State legislature advanced its budget this week, however, final negotiations continue. With federal funding cuts threatening healthcare coverage for thousands of residents, counties across California, including Riverside County, asked the state to fund the gap by providing state revenue to public hospitals, indigent care and behavioral health.
This week, the State legislature approved a budget that includes $250 million for public hospitals, $125 million for indigent care, and $459 million to support county Medi-Cal and CalFresh eligibility work. As talks with the Governor enter the final phase, counties are calling for continued action to protect the safety net.
“Without state action, local governments will face impossible choices,” said Board Chair and Second District Supervisor Karen Spiegel. “Resources will be diverted from other critical priorities. Pressure will increase on healthcare systems, behavioral health programs, homelessness services, and public safety agencies.”
Last year, when the federal government passed H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill, it significantly reduced healthcare funding without reducing the need for care. Riverside County was set to lose up to $300 million in insurance revenue, even as demand for indigent services was expected to rise by $150 million. The overall financial impact on the County was an estimated $450 million.
Without health coverage, residents are more likely to delay preventive treatment, worsening chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure. Riverside County resident Toni experienced this firsthand when she suffered kidney failure before her employer sponsored insurance began. Medi-Cal connected Toni with the specialists she needed after leaving the hospital, helping stabilize her health and prevent future hospitalizations. “Without Medi-Cal, I wouldn’t be here today,” said Toni.
Without coverage, patients in a similar position to Toni could face more obstacles. Delaying treatment early often means more frequent visits to the emergency room later and sicker. Those same visits are more likely to require more intensive and expensive treatment.
“The Legislature has recognized that counties can’t simply absorb these federal cuts. Now we need a final budget that matches the scale of the problem, preventing the entire community from paying the price,” said Fifth District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez.
In partnership with Santa Clara County, a series of videos under the campaign Fund the Gap CA explain the impacts of HR.1 on healthcare. The video above captures the concern of medical professionals facing this crisis.
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