The health industry in Anaheim is facing a significant shake-up following CalOptima's decision to terminate contracts with four Prime Healthcare community hospitals in Orange County. This move has sparked a wave of concern among local residents and healthcare professionals alike, as it directly impacts access to essential healthcare services for thousands of low-income Medi-Cal patients. CalOptima, the agency responsible for managing the Medi-Cal program in Orange County, announced the termination of contracts with West Anaheim Medical Center, Garden Grove Hospital Medical Center, La Palma Intercommunity Hospital, and Huntington Beach Hospital. This decision has left many patients worried about the future of their healthcare, leading to over 300 CalOptima patients signing an online petition urging the agency to reconsider its decision. For many, this situation is a matter of life and death due to the long driving distance and access to adequate healthcare services. Attorney Lloyd Bookman, representing eight OC CalOptima members, has filed a lawsuit to halt the contract terminations. In a statement to the media, Bookman underlined the vital function of these community hospitals for Medi-Cal patients who are, by definition, lower-income folks. The loss of these hospitals is likely to mean reduced access to healthcare services as a whole as they’d have to drive further for care. Despite the backlash, CalOptima maintains that the decision will not significantly impact patient care. According to Yunkyung Kim, Chief Operating Officer of CalOptima Health, emergency services will still be available at the four hospitals; the emergency rooms being the primary facility used by CalOptima members. She added that while scheduled visits and admissions at these hospitals will no longer be possible, CalOptima is prepared to work with affected members to coordinate transfers to other facilities.