LOS ANGELES (September 30, 2026) - KCRW recently invited our CEO Dr. Elaine Batchlor to join Press Play for a conversation about Proposition 40, the federal Medicaid cuts enacted through H.R. 1, and what those cuts could mean for MLKCH and healthcare across California.
Dr. Batchlor spoke about the very real challenges ahead for MLKCH, where the federal cuts are projected to create an $80–$100 million annual deficit. But she also made clear that their impact will extend far beyond Medicaid patients or safety-net hospitals.
“We’re all connected through health care.”
When safety-net hospitals and clinics lose capacity, patients turn to other providers—adding to overcrowding, wait times and costs throughout the healthcare system, including for people with private insurance.
We’re proud that MLKCH is helping bring South LA’s experience and perspective to conversations happening locally and nationally about the future of healthcare. And whatever challenges lie ahead, our commitment remains the same: to provide the high-quality, compassionate care our patients deserve.