Healthcare organizations across the U.S. are facing an unprecedented upheaval in the funding and delivery of safety net health services with the passage of HR1 and new restrictions on health coverage for millions of low-income families, immigrants, and people with disabilities. As a result of policy changes that create new barriers to enrollment in Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California), many individuals will likely lose coverage, and hospital, clinic, and other healthcare provider revenues will drop dramatically, leading to closures among providers that have historically provided safety-net care. This new and dramatic shift will require coordination, planning, and advocacy across the healthcare system to preserve access and limit the harmful health impacts to community members.
Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) serves almost 450,000 people in Santa Clara County. As a direct impact on individuals and families in our community:
- California’s Medi-Cal agency predicts that 20% of the state’s Medi-Cal population could lose coverage: 90,000 in Santa Clara County.
- Enrollment supports patient access and provider revenue. Santa Clara County estimates the loss of federal funds will grow to $1.3B per year by fiscal year 2029-2030.
- Non-County community clinics are estimating an annual loss of $4M-$15M.
We are grateful to the Santa Clara County community for voting for Measure A to approve emergency funding to stave off the worst impacts on our local hospitals and health care system. Still, we know the road ahead will be challenging.
Since our founding in 1988, Valley Health Foundation has been a champion of the local public healthcare delivery system, ensuring access to the highest quality care for all who need it. We are honored to partner with Silicon Valley Community Foundation as an anchor organization for the Community Lifeline Fund.
If you are an organization interested in applying for funding to help mitigate loss of coverage for vulnerable populations, please visit our Community Lifeline Fund: Access to Healthcare grant page to learn more.
It will take all of us coming together to protect our community's access to healthcare.
