CMSP proposes cutting eligibility and benefits in its 35 small counties from January 1, 2027

The County Medical Services Program Governing Board, which runs backup coverage for low-income uninsured adults in 35 small California counties, gave notice on August 6, 2026 of two public hearings, on September 18 and October 5, 2026 in Sacramento, on proposed changes effective January 1, 2027. The notice says the changes would suspend the Connect to Care program, modify and eliminate CMSP eligibility for certain people, and eliminate or reduce certain benefits; it proposes lowering the income limit from 300% to 200% of the federal poverty level and reinstating emergency-services-only CMSP coverage for undocumented immigrants.

Clinics in CMSP counties rely on it for uninsured patients: Mendocino Coast Clinics told the Mendocino Voice that losing 10% of that revenue could close its dental clinic. No outcome of the September 18 hearing or vote date has been published.