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."
But Democratic State Senator Darrell Steinberg said saving
money my merging two programs is better than gutting a core
service.
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."
The Healthy Families transition is expected to save 13 million
dollars in the first year.