Who
- Rep. Mike Thompson
- Rep. Jared Huffman
- Lynda Hopkins, Chair, Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
- Parker Duncan, MD, Santa Rosa Community Health
- Michelle Oxford, Providence Health
- Donna Waldman, Jewish Community Free Clinic
- Ginger Schechter, MD, retired, Santa Rosa VA Clinic
- Erik and Nancy Meitz, Patient Advocates
- Meghan Hardin, RVP, Hospital Council
What
On March 7, Reps. Mike Thompson and Jared Huffman hosted a press conference highlighting the critical role of hospital funding in Sonoma County and beyond. Hospital Council participated, along with county supervisors, clinics, hospitals, and patients — all sharing powerful stories about the real-life impact of Medi-Cal and Medicare funding.
Patient advocate Nancy Meitz spoke, emphasizing the uncertainty her family will face if these programs are cut. For example, her son Erik’s wheelchair — which is critical to his independence — is covered by Medicaid. Additionally at risk to her family’s well-being are Veterans Affairs services for her husband, who is a Vietnam War veteran left 50% disabled from his service.
With three out of four hospital patients in Sonoma County relying on Medicare or Medi-Cal — and reimbursement rates failing to cover the full cost of care — federal cuts could strain an already overburdened system, thus impacting hospitals, community clinics, and patients. In that vein, Dr. Parker Duncan spoke about the challenges his high-risk pregnant patients will face if cuts are made and access to care is further restricted.
Takeaway/Next Steps
Hospital Council will continue advocating for sustainable hospital funding and access to care, ensuring policymakers understand the consequences of reimbursement cuts. Members are encouraged to stay engaged in these conversations, particularly as budget discussions evolve.
Contact
RVP Meghan Hardin at mhardin@hospitalcouncil.org