The decision to eliminate the Healthy Families program roused Senators into a debate that touched on a number of issues, but centered on one thing: whether moving California children from one publically funded program into another endangers their health.
Republican State Senator Anthony Cannella says Medi-Cal won't serve these kids well.
CANNELLA: "Reimbursements are so low that few doctors and even fewer specialists even participate, which will put these kids at risk."
STEINBERG: "We have to watch this implementation like hawks. And ensure that the transition is slow enough and careful enough that kids don't get left through the cracks."