The California State Legislature approved AB 108, a budget measure providing up to $25 million in emergency funding for financially struggling hospitals at risk of closure across the state, according to a May 7 statement. Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio) voted in favor of the bill and said it is important to protect access to healthcare in rural communities such as Blythe and Imperial County.
The funding aims to offer temporary relief for hospitals facing economic hardship, including facilities like Palo Verde Hospital and the Imperial Valley Healthcare District. The measure is intended to help ensure that critical medical services remain available for residents of underserved regions throughout California.
“Today, the Legislature took an important step by passing AB 108 to help keep financially struggling hospitals open across California,” Gonzalez said. “Palo Verde Hospital, Imperial Valley Healthcare District and rural hospitals in our region and statewide deserve this support because they are a lifeline for the communities they serve. Frankly, if a hospital is in a position where it has to apply for these funds just to keep its doors open, it deserves our help. Rural families should not have to worry about whether there will be emergency care available in their community tomorrow.”
Under AB 108, hospitals seeking assistance must meet strict eligibility requirements. These include demonstrating severe financial distress, serving a high percentage of patients with government insurance or no insurance at all, and having exhausted other financial options before applying for support.
Gonzalez also said that ensuring access to healthcare in rural areas should not be viewed through a partisan lens.
“This is not a partisan issue,” Gonzalez added. “All Californians deserve access to quality healthcare close to home no matter where they live. We cannot allow another rural hospital closure that leaves our communities without options.”
