Healthcare

Monterey County is seeing fewer residents apply for Medi-Cal and Cal Fresh benefits ahead of changes in 2026. And, social security recipients that can’t pay rent due to disruptions with their benefits are protected under a new law Governor Gavin Newsom signed.

Some local hospitals are seeking healthcare partners to stay afloat. And, a new state bill requiring law enforcement to show identification advances.

Planned Parenthood shut its Santa Cruz location last week and Monterey had its first-ever abalone festival over the weekend.

Local advocates are denouncing proposed healthcare cuts in the California state budget that include freezing Medi-Cal enrollment for those without legal status.

Back under public ownership, Watsonville Community Hospital is ready to design its expanded emergency room. And, the Capitola City Council has rejected a proposal to build part of the Coastal Rail Trail on Park Avenue near the Capitola Trestle.

In today's newscast: several Monterey County hospitals are speaking out about their commitment to treating all patients regardless of immigration status. The third TEDx event at CSUMB presents stories about waves. And a conversation with the makers of The Long Valley, a short documentary that recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

In today's newscast, the opening of the Dungeness crab season was delayed due to migrating whales. And Covered California is already seeing record enrollment—and it remains open until the end of the month.

A group of healthcare workers protested low wages, rising healthcare costs and short staffing at Watsonville Community Hospital on Thursday

A new Kaiser Permanente medical center will open in Salinas, Monterey County on Jan. 2, 2025.

A spokesperson for Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital says the bankruptcy is intended to keep the hospital's doors open, while the San Benito Healthcare District works with county leaders to find a solution.