Clinics, hospitals and thousands of S.F. residents could be hit by Trumps Medicaid cuts

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, signed by President Trump, threatens healthcare access for three to eight million Californians through significant cuts to Medicaid funding. In San Francisco, around 238,000 residents are enrolled in Medi-Cal, with estimates suggesting that 17,896 will lose coverage due to new work requirements and Gov. Gavin Newsom's freeze on undocumented adult enrollments. California stands to lose up to $22. 3 billion in federal funding as a result of this legislation.

Healthcare experts, including Laurel Lucia from the U. C. Berkeley Labor Center, warn that this bill proposes the largest cuts to Medicaid in its 60-year history, impacting not only enrollees but also the healthcare infrastructure. Denisse Porter from Mission Neighborhood Health Center noted that 71 percent of their funding relies on Medi-Cal reimbursements, indicating that clinics could face severe financial strain. The San Francisco Health Plan has pledged to work with providers and advocates to protect healthcare access for its members.

As hospitals and clinics brace for revenue cuts, experts predict an increase in emergency room usage as uninsured patients seek care. This shift may lead to longer wait times and exacerbated health issues for vulnerable populations.