This is archived content, for historical reference only.

As California moves to implement the ACA, it is making major health program, policy, and fiscal changes that will transform the way the state and its 58 counties share responsibilities for the health of Californians.

To help policymakers and stakeholders better understand the state-county partnership and prepare for the changes, this issue brief provides a leadership framework to assess the potential impacts of shifting responsibility. The framework identifies some of the trade-offs that result depending on whether counties or the state take the lead in a particular health program or initiative. In the past, where the state has taken the lead, there has generally been greater operational consistency across programs. Alternatively, where counties have assumed lead responsibility, the level and type of services that county residents receive reflect the diversity of California counties in resources, capacity, and political orientation.

The author lays out important program changes resulting from the state’s implementation of the ACA. Then, applying the leadership framework, she highlights issues that policymakers and stakeholders will particularly want to watch for in key program areas in the months to come.

The complete issue brief is available under Document Downloads.