Board directs staff to study a Safety Net Bridge program to prevent gaps in Medi‑Cal and CalFresh access

San Diego County supervisors directed staff on Nov. 4 to study options for a Safety Net Bridge program to address anticipated coverage gaps in Medi‑Cal, CalFresh and other benefit programs.

Vice Chair Monica Montgomery‑Stepp introduced the measure, saying the county faces a potential surge of disenrollments tied to new federal rules and administrative changes. The item directs staff to explore a range of measures — including co‑locating no‑cost primary care, food distribution and benefits navigation at LiveWell centers, expanding partnerships with community clinics and nonprofits, and creating emergency food and enrollment outreach — and to return a feasibility report within 45 days and a recommended plan within 90 days.

The board clarified the study does not create a county‑run health system or commit new funds today. The motion passed 4‑1; Supervisor Jim Desmond voted no, citing concerns about long‑term funding and potential program overlap with existing community providers.

Why it matters: County leaders said large numbers of residents could be disenrolled or fail to re‑enroll under proposed federal work and reporting rules, which could increase emergency room use, homelessness and unmet health needs. Supporters said the bridge program would be an upstream, proactive effort to keep people connected to care while the county explores funding and operational models.

Next steps: Staff were directed to return within 45 days with options and estimated costs and within 90 days with a recommended model and implementation plan.

Quote: “We are entering a true public‑health emergency,” Vice Chair Monica Montgomery‑Stepp said while introducing the item.

Provenance: Item introduction at 03:26:23 and public testimony and vote recorded through the afternoon session. Evidence: sponsor remarks and clerk’s vote.