Health Care Slated To Take Hit in Sacramento County Spending Plan

Today, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors will vote on a budget that would cut $4.9 million for health and human services programs because of state budget cuts, a projected drop in sales taxes and an anticipated increase of at least $13.4 million in costs, the Sacramento Bee reports.

As part of the budget plan, supervisors will consider reducing funding by $1.2 million for the California Children's Services, a medical and therapy treatment program for children with serious conditions.  As many as 10 staff positions could be eliminated from the program.

Glennah Trochet, the county's health officer, said the staffing cuts would translate to delays in enrollment, authorization of medical care and treatment.

Trochet said supervisors also will decide whether to close a weekly clinic at the Oak Park Health Center that provides family planning, pediatric health care and public health services.

In addition, Leland Tom, director of the county mental health department, said the county is considering cutting $1.2 million from the department, noting that its budget already has been dropped by $5 million.  Tom said the cuts will strain staff with larger caseloads.

In addition, although Medi-Cal enrollment was up 2% last year, the county is expecting to receive $3 million less from the state for the program.  Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. 

According to the Bee, the funding cut could lead to delays in benefits for beneficiaries (Lewis, Sacramento Bee, 11/12).

Broadcast Coverage