Report: San Francisco Bay Area Counties Get Less State Health Funds

Although San Francisco Bay Area counties often pay a larger share of taxes per capita than other counties, they receive relatively low levels of state funding for programs such as Medi-Cal and In-Home Supportive Services, according to a new report prepared by the Legislative Analyst's Office, the San Jose Mercury News reports. Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program.

Assembly member Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa) commissioned the report, which found that seven of the top 10 contributors of tax revenue are San Francisco Bay Area counties such as Marin and Santa Clara. Regions that receive the most public funding include northern counties such as Del Norte and Yuba, as well as rural Central Valley counties such as Tulare, Kern and Kings.

The report found that San Mateo County generated $4,232 per capita in income and sales tax revenue in fiscal year 2007-2008, but received only $257 per resident in Medi-Cal spending. By comparison, Lake County generated $879 per capita in tax revenue and received $703 per resident in Medi-Cal funds.

Meanwhile, Contra Costa County received $26 per capita for state-funded in-home care services, while Imperial County received $68 per resident for in-home care.

Experts say the report suggests that rural residents are likely to be the most affected by proposed cuts to California's health and human services programs (Theriault, San Jose Mercury News, 6/21).