County Advances Safety-Net Health Overhaul as Budget and Behavioral Health Plans Open for Input
San Diego, CA – March 7, 2026 – County leaders move to revamp a safety-net health program as budget input opens and behavioral health planning advances countywide.
Supervisors Vote to Overhaul Safety-Net Health Program
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted March 3 to move forward with changes to County Medical Services, a program described as a last-resort option for adults who cannot afford insurance and do not qualify for Medi-Cal.
The 4-1 vote directs supervisors and staff to evaluate potential reforms, including eligibility rules such as age limits and income thresholds. County leaders said the review comes as federal Medicare cuts loom and could affect local health funding.
County Medical Services covers necessary medical care for eligible residents. Supervisors indicated they want to examine whether current standards are too restrictive and how the program can better serve uninsured adults.
County Seeks Public Input on Next Budget
Separately, San Diego County has launched a public website to gather community input on the upcoming county budget. The online portal is open through March 22.
The county budget determines spending on services that include mental health programs, homelessness response, childcare support and certain benefits for vulnerable residents across the region.
County officials note that roughly half of the budget is tied to state and federal funding for specific programs, with the remainder coming from local sources such as property taxes and fees. Recent budgets have increased spending in areas such as substance use treatment and housing support.
Behavioral Health Services Act Plan Opens for Comment
In another development, San Diego County is preparing to open a public comment period for its Behavioral Health Services Act Integrated Plan. The comment window is scheduled to run from March 17 through April 15.
Feedback gathered during that period will inform a final plan to be presented to the Board of Supervisors before submission to the California Department of Health Care Services. The plan outlines how behavioral health funding will be organized and prioritized locally.
Together, these actions signal a period of transition for San Diego County’s health safety net, with potential changes to coverage for uninsured adults, funding priorities shaped by public input, and updated behavioral health planning underway.
Sources
San Diego County supervisors vote to overhaul safety net health program
https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/03/02/san-diego-county-budget-2026-public-input-website-march-22-deadline
https://engage.sandiegocounty.gov/bhsa-integrated-plan
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