LA County Faces $1.5B in Federal Cuts — Hospital Closure Now Possible
LA County CEO warned of 'devastating' service reductions as $1.5B in federal cuts hit over 5 years. The Department of Health Services — 70% of its $6.5B budget from federal funds — projects a $1.85B annual deficit by 2028-29.
A county public hospital closure is now 'last resort' on the table. 700K+ residents could lose Medi-Cal under new work requirements. St. John's Community Health (120K patients) faces 'closing several health centers' and 'laying off hundreds of staff.'
Hiring freeze already in effect.
Key takeaways
- $1.5B in federal cuts over 5 years; DHS — 70% of $6.5B budget from federal funds — projects $1.85B annual deficit by 2028-29
- County public hospital closure now 'last resort' on the table
- 700K+ residents could lose Medi-Cal under new work requirements
- St. John's Community Health (120K patients) faces 'closing several health centers' and 'laying off hundreds of staff'
Primary source
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FQHC Talent. (2026, March 4). LA County Faces $1.5B in Federal Cuts — Hospital Closure Now Possible. Primary source: LAist. Retrieved July 28, 2026, from https://www.fqhctalent.com/intel/la-county-1-5b-federal-cuts-hospital-closure
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