San Francisco health officials discuss disparities in hospital care access for low-income residents

The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on critical discussions surrounding healthcare costs and access within the county. Supervisor Campos highlighted that San Francisco is both the most consolidated and the most expensive county in California for healthcare services, with hospitals averaging $7,349 per patient per day, significantly higher than the $4,389 average in Los Angeles County.

The meeting underscored the disparities in healthcare access, particularly for low-income residents. It was noted that while hospitals are concentrated in the northern and western parts of the city, low-income populations primarily reside in the southern and eastern areas. This geographic mismatch raises concerns about the accessibility of healthcare services for those who need them most.

Discussion also revolved around the burden of Medi-Cal patients on specific hospitals. San Francisco General, St. Luke's, and UCSF were identified as facilities that handle a significant portion of Medi-Cal patients, while others like CPMC and Kaiser serve fewer. The reasons behind these disparities were explored, with factors such as hospital affiliations and ambulance diversion practices influencing patient access to care.

The meeting emphasized the need for a comprehensive healthcare services master plan to improve data collection and analysis, which would help inform better healthcare decisions for the city. The board expressed a commitment to understanding the distribution of healthcare services and ensuring that all residents, especially those in need, have access to adequate care.

In conclusion, the discussions highlighted the urgent need for strategic planning in San Francisco's healthcare system to address cost issues and improve access for low-income populations, ensuring that the city can provide necessary public health services effectively.