California Budget Cuts Fray the Long-Term Safety Net

Publication Date: October 2009

Publisher: UCLA Center for Health Policy Research

Author(s): Nadereh Pourat; Valentine M. Villa; A. E. Benjamin; Steven P. Wallace

Research Area: Health

Keywords: Insurance; Coverage; Finance

Type: Brief

Coverage: California

Abstract:

This policy brief examines the likely effects of the sweeping 2009 cuts to California's safety-net programs for low-income and disabled seniors. Specifically, it examines reductions in programs that help disabled seniors remain safely at home, including the Supplemental Security Income, In-Home Supportive Services, Adult Day Health Care and other programs. Among the findings: researchers found that up to half a million seniors will have their incomes reduced by the cuts and tens of thousands will lose some or all of their in-home supportive services. The research is based on program data, published research and interviews with key informants in the health and government services sectors.