# UCLA Drops Medi-Cal Patients Amid Capacity Crisis | Los Angeles News

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/los-angeles-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7458113/ucla-drops-medi-cal-patients-amid-capacity-crisis-los-angeles-news
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/los-angeles-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7458113/ucla-drops-medi-cal-patients-amid-capacity-crisis-los-angeles-news.md
Podcast: [Los Angeles News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/los-angeles-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7458113)
Published: 2026-09-05T16:35:55+00:00
Episode link: https://sources.thednn.ai/35bdc0116aa580f5
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/9cb2bf31-895f-445e-a178-6a87fad291c5.mp3
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Duration seconds: 153

## Resource

UCLA Health abruptly halted new Medi-Cal patient referrals after a key contract expired, leaving thousands of low-income patients—many with serious illnesses like cancer or organ failure—without access to critical care. A planned press conference highlighting the crisis was canceled as both UCLA and Health Care LA announced a tentative one-year transition plan to move patients to new providers. While current patients still receive care, UCLA cites capacity issues as the reason for not accepting new referrals, sparking backlash over what critics call a profit-driven decision. Some UCLA doctors are outraged, arguing the university has a moral obligation to serve all Californians, especially the underserved. Despite claims of ongoing commitment to vulnerable populations and investments in facilities, UCLA receives less Medi-Cal care than other UC hospitals—and reimbursement rates haven’t kept up with costs. Past contract offers were reportedly rejected, deepening tensions over equity and access in healthcare. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/35bdc0116aa580f5 Presented by The Plant Daddies — rare specimen trees, living art, and hand-carved limestone vessels and fountains for extraordinary spaces. Showrooms in Los Angeles and Irvine. Listeners of Los Angeles News Today receive 10% off with code LANEWS10. theplantdaddies.com/lanews

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