MODESTO BEE
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

BEE STAFF REPORTS
Special to ModBee.com

Last Updated: October 17, 2005, 11:55:20 AM PDT

Stanislaus County supervisors could proceed with major cuts to health services for low-income residents after a public hearing Tuesday.
The cuts would effect an estimated 16,000 to 19,000 county residents, threatening to put more stress on hospital emergency rooms and nonprofit rural health clinics.

Last month, the board unanimously supported a three-year plan to reduce Health Services Agency deficits that are approaching $10 million a year. Supervisors are legally required to hold Tuesday's hearing before eliminating services.

Officials are exploring options to reduce patient volumes while ensuring that care continues for patients who are being treated for illnesses.

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