Healthy San Francisco to remain strong, even with cuts to other services

(AP Photo/Ben Margot)

Even though Mayor Newsom has proposed a $6.6 billion budget for 2009–2010 that cuts into the city’s health services, funding for the city’s health care system, Healthy San Francisco, will actually expand.

As a result of the proposed $70.6 million in cuts to the Department of Public Health and the Human Services Agency, the following organizations and services will be affected by budget cuts:

• Laguna Honda Hospital will have to layoff certified nurses

• Central City Hospitality House, a drop-in center for the homeless that offers employment and health services, will be closed

• Various nonprofits will have to cut services for HIV/AIDS, mental health, and drug and alcohol addictions

Much of these cuts are in response to an anticipated $175.2 million cut in funding from the state. Governor Schwarzenegger's proposal to cut get rid of Healthy Families, California’s health care system for uninsured children, would hurt San Francisco by another $100 million.

But according to Newsom’s proposed budget, funding for Healthy San Francisco would increase by $9.45 million.

Healthy San Francisco has enrolled about 60,000 individuals since the program began in 2006. That’s around 80% of the uninsured population in San Francisco. The maximum annual income allowed for participation was recently raised to 500% of the federal poverty level. That comes out to $52,000 for single residents and $106,000 for families of four.

The Board of Supervisors has one month to review and make changes to Mayor Newsom’s proposed budget.

Find out more about Healthy San Francisco and Healthy Families.