Affordable Healthcare
The Healthcare Safety Net is Shrinking
Federal healthcare changes could put coverage at risk for many San Diegans. Learn who could be affected and what Measure B would fund.
Why is Affordable Healthcare at Risk?
Federal healthcare changes could cause more San Diegans to lose Medi-Cal. People who lose coverage may turn to community clinics, County Medical Services and other local health programs for care.
The Issue at a Glance
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. It gives free or low-cost health coverage to people who qualify, including many children, older adults, people with disabilities and households with lower incomes.
More than 125,000 San Diegans could be at risk of losing Medi-Cal. More than 327,000 Medi-Cal members across the county could also be affected by new rules or reporting requirements.
When people lose coverage, they may put off checkups, skip medicine or wait until a health problem becomes an emergency. More people may also turn to clinics, County Medical Services or hospital emergency rooms for care.
San Diegans who could be at risk of losing Medi-Cal.
Medi-Cal members across the county who could be affected by federal healthcare changes.
Estimated San Diego County budget shortfall linked to federal funding cuts.
Families & Children
Medi-Cal helps families pay for checkups, medicine, mental healthcare and treatment when a child is sick. Losing coverage can mean delayed care, no care or higher out-of-pocket costs for families.
Older Adults & People with Disabilities
Some people rely on Medi-Cal for care that Medicare or private insurance may not fully cover. This can include long-term help and care at home. Losing coverage can make it harder to stay healthy and independent.
Community Clinics & the “Safety Net”
When people lose coverage, they may turn to community clinics, hospitals and County Medical Services. This can put more pressure on programs that already care for people with little or no insurance.
Understanding San Diego’s Healthcare Safety Net
Medi-Cal, Community Clinics and County Medical Services
Maintaining Medicaid-Level Services
Funding to help current healthcare providers keep services that have been supported by Medicaid.
County Medical Services
Support for County Medical Services, which helps adults with low incomes who do not have insurance or qualify for other programs.
Community Healthcare Providers
Funding for hospitals, clinics and other providers that care for people who have little or no health coverage.
In-Home Care
Services that help older adults and people with disabilities get care at home.
Eligibility & Enrollment Support
County staff and systems to help people understand who qualifies, process applications and keep access to available health programs.
Voter Considerations
Voters may think about questions like these:
- What role should the county play in helping people get healthcare?
- Is a county sales tax the right way to pay for healthcare programs?
- How should federal and local governments share the cost of healthcare?
- How should the money be divided among County Medical Services, clinics and other providers?
- How can the county make sure new money adds to, rather than replaces, current healthcare funding?
FAQs
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. It gives free or low-cost health coverage to people who qualify. Who qualifies depends on factors such as income, age and household situation.
More than 125,000 San Diegans could be at risk of losing Medi-Cal. More than 327,000 Medi-Cal members across the county could also be affected by new rules or reporting requirements.
County Medical Services is a county health program for adults with low incomes who do not have insurance or qualify for Medi-Cal. It connects people with care through hospitals, clinics and other providers.
People without coverage may put off checkups, medicine or treatment because of cost. Some may turn to community clinics, County Medical Services or emergency rooms, which can increase demand on local health programs.
Measure B could fund current Medicaid-supported services, County Medical Services, care through hospitals and clinics, in-home care, and staff who help people apply for health programs. The money must add to, not replace, existing County healthcare funding.
No. Federal and state rules decide who qualifies for Medi-Cal. Measure B would not change those rules. It would provide local funding for health programs serving people in need of care.
No. Measure B would fund existing programs and providers, including County Medical Services, hospitals and clinics. The county would decide how the money is used through its regular budget and planning process, following the rules in Measure B.
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