Thousands of California kids will start losing their state provided health care this fall thanks to the state’s cash crunch.
The board that oversees “Healthy Families” says it doesn’t have enough money to provide services much longer.
Next month the state will issue notices that kids will be cut from the “Healthy Families” program starting October first—Even though it’s getting some help from another children’s program. Kris Perry, who is with “California First Five” said its’ chipping in $81 million to make-up for some lost revenues.
“We hope the contribution will forestall wait listing and disenrollment of children as soon as possible," said Perry.
But, even with that contribution the program still faces a $112 million shortfall. Katie Becker’s kids have been enrolled in “Healthy Families” for eight years. She’s afraid they won’t get the proper care for their asthma.
“I’m a single mom with four kids on a fixed income and it’s going to be really hard to pay for medication and health care out of my own pocket,” said Becker.
State officials say tens-of-thousands of Californians could lose their “Healthy Families” coverage by next summer unless lawmakers can come up with the money soon.
