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(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) – Amid evolving federal and state changes, County Health is working with local health partners to ensure a smooth transition of care for impacted patients. A recent federal change is intended to designate Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) as a federal public benefit; all five County Health Centers fall under this designation. While County Health Centers have always followed Medi-Cal requirements to verify patient eligibility, this new designation would mean the facilities themselves are restricted from serving patients identified by Medi-Cal as having “unsatisfactory immigration status.”
County Health is working closely with CenCal Health, the Medi-Cal managed care plan for Santa Barbara County, to support a process to transition impacted patients to new primary care providers by January 1, 2026. Patients being reassigned will receive a letter from County Health with instructions on transferring care and obtaining copies of their medical records. CenCal Health will also send a letter with additional information on connecting with a new provider. The County’s priority is to provide transition plans and resources that ensure continuity of care and minimize any disruptions to clinical services…