UC Berkeley Projects 72,000-145,000 California Healthcare Job Losses from Medicaid Cuts
The UC Berkeley Labor Center estimates that H.R. 1 Medicaid cuts will eliminate 72,000 to 145,000 healthcare jobs statewide — 3-5% of California's 2.65 million healthcare workforce. The projection encompasses hospitals, clinics, and home care. L.A. Care CEO Martha Santana-Chin projects losing 650,000 members (30% drop) by end of 2028. Combined with the JR Report tally of 3,400+ hospital workers already laid off as of mid-March, the second wave is expected as funding cuts phase in through 2028.
Key takeaways
- UC Berkeley: 72K-145K healthcare jobs at risk statewide (3-5% of 2.65M workforce)
- L.A. Care CEO: projects 650K member loss (30% drop) by 2028 — largest public health plan in LA
- Second wave of layoffs expected as H.R. 1 funding cuts phase in through 2028
FQHC Talent. (2026, March 24). UC Berkeley Projects 72,000-145,000 California Healthcare Job Losses from Medicaid Cuts. Primary source: JR Report / Word & Brown (citing UC Berkeley Labor Center). Retrieved April 28, 2026, from https://www.fqhctalent.com/intel/uc-berkeley-72k-145k-healthcare-job-loss-projection
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