Rep. Barragán Holds Day of Action on the State of Health Care Roundtable with Community Health Center Leadership and Physicians to Discuss High Cost of Health Care

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 18, 2026

Rep. Barragán Holds Day of Action on the State of Health Care Roundtable with Community Health Center Leadership and Physicians to Discuss High Cost of Health Care

South Gate, CA – Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) gathered leaders and physicians from the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County (CCALAC) and AltaMed, a Federally Qualified Health Center, for a Day of Action on the State of Health Care roundtable discussion regarding the high cost of health care and extensive cuts to federal programs like Medi-Cal (California’s version of Medicaid).

During the roundtable, participants shared with the Congresswoman their firsthand insights on patient experiences and operational impacts due to the recent cuts and how federal funding is critical to meet the needs of patients in the communities they serve. The group raised serious concerns about proposed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grant reductions, which would eliminate hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for California and further strain the state’s community health infrastructure. These cuts would jeopardize HIV prevention programs, weaken disease surveillance efforts, and restrict access to care for underserved populations. Combined with more than $50 million in existing federal, state, and local funding reductions, along with rising operational costs, clinics have already been forced to close several sites, resulting in the loss of essential services such as vaccinations, STI testing and treatment, and tuberculosis care.

“Americans pay too much and receive too little,” said Rep. Barragán. “Due to skyrocketing health care costs, many working families are forced to have to decide between feeding their families or being able to afford to see a doctor. You deserve better. House Democrats continue to fight to restore critical federal funding, protect Medi-Cal, and extend the expired insurance premium tax credits.”

Today’s roundtable was part of a national Day of Action on the State of Health Care effort by House Democrats’ to highlight how the cost of living has skyrocketed for millions of Americans.

For photos and videos from the roundtable, see HERE.

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