Joint Statement – California Philanthropic Funders Respond to Deferred Medicaid Funding

Every society reveals its values through how it cares for people with the greatest health and support needs – and for the families, caregivers, providers, and community organizations that sustain them. For millions of Californians, Medicaid is not simply a budget line item, but a lifeline to the state’s health and social care infrastructure. It supports older adults, people with disabilities, children and families, those with low-incomes, and other Californians who rely on essential health, behavioral health, home- and community-based, and long-term care services. 

As California health funders, we support communities in every corner of the state with a shared, fundamental belief that all Californians should have the opportunity to thrive. Investments in care are investments in the health, wellbeing, and economic stability of communities across our golden state. Programs like In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) are not optional as these vital services help seniors and people with disabilities remain safely in their homes, preserve dignity, and help to ensure that all Californians can live with safety, connection, and choice. 

The federal government’s decision to delay Medicaid reimbursement payments to California creates immediate harm and uncertainty for families across the care continuum. It places additional strain on providers, community-based organizations, caregivers, and local systems who are already operating under significant pressure, while deepening instability for the 900,000 Californians who depend on these services every day. Deferred funding has real world consequences. It reverberates through communities, disrupting care, and puts critical supports at risk. 

We are deeply concerned about the impact of delayed Medicaid reimbursements on Californians and urge leaders to minimize disruptions and protect the continuity of care for communities across the state who rely on essential health, behavioral health, home- and community-based, and long-term care services. 

Signed,

Archstone Foundation

The California Endowment

The California Wellness Foundation

The SCAN Foundation