About Finance & Reimbursement
Vulnerable Californians who rely on the care provided by California hospitals are at risk. Driven by skyrocketing costs for labor, pharmaceuticals, regulatory mandates, and more, 53% of all hospitals statewide lose money every day to deliver patient care.
That isn’t sustainable. And California is already seeing the frightening result: rural health care services being cut to the bone, severe behavioral health care needs not being met, and more.
Reflections from the 2026 ACHE Congress
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Annual Congress in Houston.
DHCS to Host Webinar on Real-Time Behavioral Health Data Sharing Requirements
On March 30 at 11 a.m. (PT), the Department of Health Care Services will host a webinar on recently announced real-time behavioral health data sharing requirements for managed care plans, county mental health plans, Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery systems, and Drug Medi-Cal counties.
Action Needed by March 20 on CHA’s Two Sponsored Bills
Last week, the California Hospital Association issued a dual alert asking members to sign on to coalition letters for its two sponsored bills: Assembly Bill (AB) 2353 (Pacheco, D-Downey), which would require an independent cost evaluation of mandates on hospitals, and AB 1923 (Soria, D-Merced), which would revive the Distressed Hospital Loan Program.
Preparing for the Impact of H.R. 1: Rebuilding Our Safety Net in San Diego and Imperial Counties
As we look ahead to the potential implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), it is essential that we begin preparing now. Funding cuts, combined with work requirements for non-disabled Medicaid enrollees, an increase in the frequency of eligibility redeterminations, restricted eligibility for some immigrant groups, and tightened rules around provider taxes and state-directed payments, will require us to re-engage familiar strategies, adopt new ones, and strengthen our efforts to safeguard coverage for the most vulnerable residents of San Diego and Imperial counties.
New Board Begins 2026 Work to Guide Hospitals Throughout the Region
Last week, the HASD&IC Board of Directors held its first meeting of the year. As with each new year, we welcomed new board members, who are helping us navigate the challenges and priorities facing hospitals in San Diego and Imperial counties.
Insights From Economic Trends Event: What’s Ahead for San Diego — and Its Hospitals
Last week, I joined a panel of leaders at the San Diego Business Journal’s Economic Trends 2026 event to discuss the forces shaping our local economy in the year ahead.
CHA Urges Timely, Targeted Distribution of Prop 35 Funding in Comments to DHCS
On April 25, the California Hospital Association (CHA) submitted to the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) recommendations on how to best allocate Proposition (Prop) 35 funding in 2025 and beyond. In the letter, CHA urges DHCS to fully expend Prop 35 funds on hospital providers in a way that is timely, easy to implement, allows...
5 Things To Know: San Diego County Requests Feedback on 2025-27 Recommended Budget
The County of San Diego will review the recommended budget, covering topic areas of greatest interest to the public, and solicit community input at two upcoming events: an in-person community open house at the San Diego County operations center on May 22 from 5-7 p.m. and a virtual community meeting on May 28 from 5:30-7...
5 Things To Know: HCAI Webinar Covers Student Loan Forgiveness for Behavioral Health Professionals
On May 13 from 3-4:30 p.m. (PT), the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) will host an informational webinar on its loan repayment program. Geared toward behavioral health leaders and workforce partners who support or employ behavioral health professionals, the webinar will discuss how to reduce educational debt for behavioral health professionals...
5 Things To Know: County Budget Open House Event Aims to Educate Residents
The County of San Diego is hosting a Budget Informational Open House at the Kearny Mesa Operations Center on April 17 from 5-7 p.m., where the community can learn about the budget planning process and how to get involved, as well as services the county offers. Staff members are currently working on a balanced recommended...