KQED's Forum As Medicaid Cuts Loom, California Health Clinics Face Uncertain Future
Aug 13, 2025
David Quackenbush oversees a Medi-Cal health system in California's Central Valley, while Miranda Dietz analyzes healthcare policy effects. Mitesh Popat leads the Venice Family Clinic focused on accessible care, and Jo Campbell serves a rural community at Hill Country Community Clinic. They discuss the chilling impact of recent Medicaid cuts on California's health clinics, particularly for low-income and immigrant populations. The leaders share urgent concerns about healthcare access, enrollment challenges, and the advocacy needed to navigate this impending crisis.
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Magnitude Of Medi‑Cal Dependence
- About 40% of Californians rely on Medi‑Cal, and the federal cuts threaten coverage for millions.
- Clinic leaders expect large service impacts as patients lose coverage and access declines.
Shasta County's Health Strain
- Jo Campbell describes Shasta County as poorer, rural, and sicker with high ACEs and low vaccination rates.
- She says about 80% of her clinic's patients rely on Medi‑Cal and she expects a roughly 30% drop in enrollment.
Central Valley Clinic's Generational Care
- David Quackenbush says Golden Valley serves 175,000 lives across three counties, with about 165,000 on Medi‑Cal.
- He stresses patients will still come whether insured or not, creating revenue shortfalls.