In today's newscast:
Monterey County to support residents impacted by H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act"
At a special meeting on Tuesday, county officials discussed the impacts Medi-Cal patients will face with the pending implementation of H.R. 1.
"This is horrible for the patient," said Dr. Chad Harris, president and CEO of Natividad Medical Center, "and I think everybody realizes that this is a life-altering, avoidable, event.”
Harris noted California is on track to lose $2.3 billion in state-directed payments to public hospitals, which includes a $76 million loss for Natividad. He says while the cut won’t take effect until 2028, care will be jeopardized.
"If it comes with full force," said Harris, "that is substantial and that puts Natividad and these fantastic services that we provide at risk."
Another concern was the estimated 12,000 to 19,000 people who could lose Medi-Cal benefits because of new requirements. They include bi-yearly eligibility redeterminations.
Roderick Franks, director of Monterey County’s Department of Social Services , says these requirements "will also create a significant burden on our county workforce that now has to do twice the amount of work.”
Monterey County is encouraging people to call the Department of Social Services, their healthcare providers, or United Way to get more information about how to stay insured.
Three area state parks win “Best of California’s State Parks” poll
This year's annual state parks poll, from the California State Park Foundation, attracted 2,000 participants.
In Monterey County, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park won best for camping and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve won best for day trips.
And, Big Basin Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains won best for hiking.
