Heidi de Marco

In San Diego County, 1 in 4 people rely on Medi-Cal — California’s version of Medicaid — for essential health coverage. It supports seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families. But proposed federal cuts could jeopardize that lifeline.

For 61-year-old Carol Bush, Medi-Cal means survival.

“I would probably die. Because I can’t work right now,” she said..

Carol lives in a shelter with her dog, Winter. She’s recovering from gallbladder surgery and lives with COPD, surviving on $1,000 a month from Social Security disability income. Medi-Cal covers her medications, doctor visits, and hospital care — but now, she fears losing it.

Yesterday, the House approved a budget plan directing $880 billion in cuts — most expected to come from Medicaid.

Health experts warn that more than 100,000 people in San Diego County could lose their coverage.
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