Central Valley health centers providing critical care face looming Medi-Cal cuts | Opinion

As a native of Reedley, I have first-hand experience of the vital role community health centers and clinics play in the region and throughout the state. Growing up, I received care at a local community health center, which shaped my understanding of the importance of accessible and affordable health care. From routine check-ups, dental visits and vaccinations to urgent care needs, community health centers have always been my family’s go-to source for trusted care, just as they are for millions of other families.

In fact, for many rural communities, community health centers are often the only source of primary and preventative care. As nonprofit organizations, California’s community health centers and clinic sites provide care for all patients, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status, ethnicity, language, type of insurance or ability to pay.

Unfortunately, more than 2,300 community health centers, from San Diego to Del Norte County and throughout the Central Valley, are facing an uncertain future: Looming Medicaid budget cuts at the federal level could have devastating consequences for community health centers and clinics and the patients they serve. Slashing essential Medi-Cal funding would destabilize community health centers and clinics, as at least 65% of patients rely on Medi-Cal for essential care.

Without access to health care through Medi-Cal, many people will forgo vital preventative care and instead wind up in hospital emergency departments with more costly, difficult-to-treat conditions, leading to longer wait times in emergency departments and higher health care costs for everyone. Medicaid funding cuts will affect the care that all Californians receive, not just those enrolled in Medi-Cal.

Budget cuts are not just numbers on a spreadsheet; they represent a direct threat to the health and well-being of millions of individuals and families. For patients who rely on Medi-Cal, community health centers and clinics are a lifeline, providing a wide range of services, including primary care, specialty care, prenatal care, urgent care, behavioral health care, chronic illness management, dental services, chiropractic services and optometry care.

When patients visit us, they know that they are receiving care for the whole person, strengthening entire communities in the process.

In addition to medical care, health centers and clinics employ health navigators and specialists who provide patients with health and insurance education, assist with insurance enrollment, coordinate transportation and proactively reach out to offer services and support for veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness and other at-risk populations.

If health centers and clinics are forced to reduce staff because of budget cuts, this will impact patient care and the livelihoods of health center and clinic employees and their families. Federally proposed Medicaid funding cuts would reduce resources for health centers and clinics already struggling with provider shortages and rising costs of care.

When communities have access to health care, they thrive. Preventative medicine reduces reliance on emergency rooms, routine prenatal care lowers pregnancy complications, and early detection leads to more manageable and cost-effective disease treatment. This not only eases strain on the health care system, it also significantly reduces health care costs.

Community health centers and clinics are the backbone of our health care system, especially in underserved areas like the Central Valley. We don’t just serve our community, we are our community. Now, more than ever, we must advocate for the funding and support to protect community health centers and clinics and patients across the state.