04.29.2024 - By Jarhett Blonien
This episode of SacTown Talks features Anne McLeod from the Private Essential Access Community Hospitals (PEACH) discussing the role and challenges of safety net hospitals in California. The state has about 440 hospitals, with roughly 90 designated as safety net hospitals serving vulnerable populations. These hospitals fill the gap in healthcare coverage in regions not served by the sparse public hospitals. Despite the critical services they provide, safety net hospitals face financial difficulties, with many operating at a loss due to inadequate Medi-Cal reimbursement rates, among other challenges. The discussion also touches on the impacts of COVID-19, hospital funding, the conception of a state definition for safety net hospitals, and the potential steps forward to address the system's sustainability.
This episode was recorded on 4/16/2024
SacTown Talks is a podcast about California politics, policy and culture. We feature interviews with California political leaders, and analysis by experts and insiders focusing on the Capitol. Like, share, and subscribe to learn more!