COUNTY REVIEWING SCOPE OF ELECTIVE MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDED

 

Contact:  Tony Bell, Communications Deputy

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich

Office:  (213) 974-5555   Cell: (213) 215-5176

E-mail:  tbell@bos.lacounty.gov

 

 

April 29, 2009                                                                               For Immediate Release

 

COUNTY REVIEWING SCOPE OF ELECTIVE MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDED

 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – In light of the current fiscal crisis, the Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich directing the Chief Executive Officer and the Department of Health Services to reevaluate the current scope of health care services being provided to all patients and report back to the Board in 30 days where cuts in non-emergency services and non-chronic disease care could result in cost-savings to County taxpayers. 

 

“With Health Department deficits growing, a number of California counties have eliminated non-emergency services in order to cut costs,” said Antonovich.  “Taxpayers are currently responsible for funding health care services that exceed the County’s mandate.  Given the department’s bleak financial outlook, all cost-saving options should be reviewed and examined.”

 

Antonovich’s motion directs the CEO to report back to the Board in 30 days on the results of this investigation.  Infectious diseases and those that impact public health will not be affected.  

 

 

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