SAN DIEGO, CA — The San Diego County Board of Supervisors Tuesday unanimously approved a one-year pilot program to assist residents at risk of losing benefits due to recent federal budget cuts.
The "Safety Net Bridge Program" proposed by Vice Chair Monica Montgomery Steppe would provide free services for local residents who could soon lose their access to essential health, food and social services.
According to a statement from Montgomery Steppe's office, the pilot will serve county residents 19-64 years old who qualify for Medi-Cal, but may temporarily lose coverage because of new federal requirements.
"The Safety Net Bridge Program is a strategy to protect our most vulnerable residents by keeping a lifeline of services open, no matter what happens in Washington," Montgomery Steppe said in a statement. "We have been intentional in crafting this multi-part program. The medical component is structured not just to pay for primary care visits when someone has a coverage gap, but to also actively assist people impacted by (House Resolution 1) in getting back onto Medi-Cal."
In early July 2025, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and Senate passed H.R. 1 that included cuts and new requirements affecting numerous programs including Medicaid, on a party-line vote. President Donald Trump then signed the budget into law on July 4.
That November, supervisors voted to advance Montgomery Steppe's proposal. Last March, they voted to start program development.
Other actions followed, including approval of grants to Feeding San Diego and the San Diego Food Bank; a WorkReady Hub to help residents understand new federal requirements and keep their benefits; a food assistance component and a distribution event held in Chula Vista.
According to information on the Tuesday meeting agenda, the program will cost $20.4 million.
Montgomery Steppe lauded county staff who developed the pilot program.
"They understand what's at stake for the thousands of San Diegans who could lose access to food assistance and healthcare," she added. "I'm grateful for their commitment to helping our community through this difficult time."
Supervisor Jim Desmond said during Tuesday's meeting he was concerned about future funding for the program, but was supportive otherwise.
Desmond added that he appreciated that it prioritizes eligible Medi- Cal residents.
Dr. Suzanne Afflalo of IWC Primary Care Clinic said in a statement that the new safety net program is important, because "for many in our community, it may truly be a matter of life or death."
"When people lose access to their regular provider, they don't stop getting sick," she added. "They end up in urgent care and emergency rooms sicker than they need to be."
County residents who need to enroll or re-enroll for benefits may contact the Access Customer Call Center at 1-866-262-9881. They may also apply for services and upload documents at benefitscal.com.
— City News Service
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
San Diego Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.