The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors held a budget hearing on June 17, 2025, to discuss the upcoming fiscal year and address significant changes in Medi-Cal enrollment for undocumented individuals. The meeting began with a review of the statewide budget, which totals $110 million, and focused on the implications of proposed changes to Medi-Cal that will take effect on January 1, 2026.

During the discussions, it was clarified that no new individuals would be enrolled in Medi-Cal after the specified date. Current beneficiaries who maintain their eligibility will continue to receive coverage, with a six-month window for re-enrollment in cases of paperwork issues. This change is projected to save the state approximately $3.3 billion annually starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

Concerns were raised regarding the impact of these changes on local hospitals, particularly regarding emergency care for uninsured individuals. The discussion highlighted the importance of the payer mix for hospitals, as many current beneficiaries are insured under Medi-Cal. The potential loss of coverage could lead to increased emergency room visits for individuals who delay seeking care until their conditions worsen, reminiscent of healthcare challenges faced in the early 1990s.

The meeting also touched on the anticipated budget cuts, particularly a possible 20% reduction in outpatient services, which could exacerbate healthcare access issues. However, representatives from the hospital sector indicated that significant cuts were not expected in the immediate future.

Following these discussions, the Chair opened the public hearing for the 2025-2026 budget, with Deputy County Administrator Sarah Sickler set to present an overview of the general government budget. The meeting underscored the critical intersection of healthcare policy and local budgetary decisions, with implications for both community health and financial planning in San Joaquin County.