Each year nearly 400,000 children with Medi-Cal health insurance lose coverage for a period of time and then must re-enroll. Often they still qualify for publicly subsidized health care but get kicked off because of administrative errors or lost paperwork. Sometimes their families miss the income cutoff by a couple hundred dollars for a few months.

That’s a problem, advocates say, because early childhood comes with a host of vital health checks, vaccinations and developmental screenings. Without them, kids are at risk of falling behind on language development and social behaviors or missing early disease detection.

California tried to close that coverage gap in last year’s budget, but a November ballot initiative erased that investment even as it improved payments to doctors, clinics and hospitals that serve low-income households.

Now, children’s advocates are asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to try again and provide money for all low-income children to stay on Medi-Cal without renewal requirements until age 5 — but they concede it may already be too late.

The federal government must approve California spending Medi-Cal dollars this way, but the Trump administration’s executive order on federal spending and attempted funding freeze signaled an intent to make deep cuts to a variety of social safety net programs.

Still, advocates say they are moving forward with their request for Newsom.

“This is a clear opportunity to address systemic barriers that hinder Medi-Cal access,” said Mayra Alvarez, president of The Children’s Partnership, the organization leading the funding request.

Statewide, about 56% of all children rely on Medi-Cal insurance.

Last year, in the midst of a multibillion-dollar deficit, Newsom and state legislators agreed to spend $33 million to fund the program starting in 2026. The money would draw from one of the only growing revenue streams available to the state during a tight year, a special tax on health insurance plans that helps fund Medi-Cal.

But the bill Newsom signed had a catch. It stipulated that if voters passed a ballot measure to invest a majority of the health insurance tax money on pay increases for Medi-Cal doctors, then continuous coverage and other investments made by lawmakers in the state budget would not be funded.

The ballot measure passed with an overwhelming 68% of votes.

Supporters argued, and voters agreed, that the nearly $7 billion raised by the health insurance tax annually should be used to shore up the state’s expansive and often strained public health insurance program. Pay increases would encourage more doctors and clinics to accept Medi-Cal patients, supporters argued.

This time around, advocates are less certain that the state would be able to spend money on continuous coverage for kids even if lawmakers agree to fund it.

Early congressional budget discussions indicate the GOP-controlled government wants to significantly reduce Medicaid spending. Medi-Cal is California’s version of the federal Medicaid program.

California can’t go alone on Medi-Cal change

California would need a waiver from the Trump administration to use the money from the health insurance tax in the way that advocates want.

“Our plan as a coalition is to continue moving forward and asking for the funding to be allocated and the waiver to be submitted,”said Courtney Armstrong, director of government affairs for the First 5 Association of California. “I don’t know what the likelihood is of the waiver being approved or not. Obviously it’s in the context of bigger threats to Medicaid. Potentially (the Trump Administration) is amenable to the argument that kids need access to health coverage.”

Advocates had pressured the state last year to submit a waiver request to invest in the program before President Joe Biden left office, but the Department of Health Care Services stopped pursuing the issue after the ballot measure passed in November.

According to a statement from the Department of Health Care Services without funding it could no longer pursue the waiver request.

“The passage of Proposition 35 makes inoperative continuous coverage for children up to age 4” as lawmakers authorized last year, the statement from health care services said.

Medi-Cal kids are vulnerable

Providers who serve Medi-Cal patients say preventing kids from losing health insurance is critically important in their early years. Kids need regular pediatric checks and follow-up care. When they lose insurance, even temporarily, doctors and insurers also lose the ability to track and make sure they’re getting services on-time and not missing critical check points.

“This is singularly the most vulnerable population that we serve,” said Michael Hunn, Chief Executive Officer of CalOptima Health, the largest Medi-Cal plan in Orange County. “We value and strongly recommend this continuous coverage because of what it means to set the health trajectory of an individual from little on.”

CalOptima serves nearly 74,000 children ages 0 to 5 and covers about 6,000 births each year, Hunn said.

“What I’m most concerned about with this change in continuous eligibility is that parents will have to make a choice between the medical care of their child and rent or food, and that is a very difficult place to put a family,” Hunn said.

For a few years during the federal COVID-19 emergency, eligibility checks were paused nationwide. During that time, the percentage of kids who “churn” in and out of Medi-Cal within one year dropped from 7.5% to 1%, according to Children’s Partnership, the group leading the budget ask. When the federal emergency ended, rates went back up.

“The writing was on the wall that this type of policy could avoid any child between 0 and 5, losing their care,” Alvarez with Children’s Partnership said.

One of the most frequent reasons why people lose Medi-Cal coverage is that their income exceeds the cutoff by $200, sometimes even less than $100, said Georgina Maldonado, executive director of the Community Health Initiative of Orange County, a nonprofit that helps people apply for Medi-Cal and other social services.

“The federal poverty level chart is not realistic for those that reside in California,” Maldonado said.

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Supported by the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF), which works to ensure that people have access to the care they need, when they need it, at a price they can afford. Visit www.chcf.org to learn more.

CalMatters.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.

Leana Jean Velasco
January 4, 1958 – January 14, 2025

Leana Jean Velasco, age 67, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in Eureka, surrounded by friends and family. She was born January 4, 1958, in Medford, Oregon, to Milburn Leroy and Laura Jean Standridge. Her family then moved in 1968 and settled in Eureka. Leana was known for her faith in Jehovah and her determination to share God’s word with everyone she met.

Leana was raised with a deep-rooted faith in God as a Jehovah’s Witness as a solid foundation for her life. She was baptized in 1967 at the age of 9 years old and remained faithful until her death. In her twenties Leana was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and while her future was uncertain, she always kept a positive outlook and adjusted to the effects of this terrible disease. Leana did not allow this disease to dampen her zeal in her beliefs. She spent many years doing the field service work going from door to door, not letting her devotion to Jehovah and hope for the future without sickness and death to lessen.

In 1978 she married Ernesto Velasco, and they settled in Eureka, while they divorced years later, Leana had their son Kristopher in 1984. As a single mom Leana’s faith never wavered and she raised Kristopher with the same foundation that brought her so much joy and hope.

Leana had many talents, she enjoyed singing and was able to share her beautiful voice at weddings and parties. She enjoyed sewing and quilting and would eagerly help with bridesmaid’s dresses or going away quilts for those moving out of the area from the congregation. She could organize a party at the drop of a hat, coordinate food, decorations, entertainment, and music. Leana loved to dance; a wheelchair was not going to stop her from being out on the dance floor at her son’s wedding.

Leana continued to suffer the effects of her disease and lived with her son and daughter in law. With the help of many caregivers, she was able to live at home surrounded by her loved ones. Mexican food was one of her most favorite foods, Mondays were renamed to Taco Mondays so she could enjoy tacos for dinner. Esmerelda’s was her favorite restaurant to order her favorite tacos, bean dip, guacamole, and chips and salsa.

Leana is preceded in death by her parents, Leroy, and Jean Standridge; and her brothers Michael and Kerry Standridge; and her brother-in-law Curtis Cooper. Leana is survived by her son, Kristopher Velasco (Crystal); her brother Dale Standridge (Connie); her sister Lisa Cooper; and many nieces, nephews, great nephews, and great nieces.

The family is sincerely thankful to those who cared for Leana through the years, Jessica, Lisa, Lyndsey, Rebecca, Dr. Heidmann, the staff at Pace, and countless others. We are grateful for the care and attention that she was given so Leana was able to stay at home all these years which was of great comfort to her.

A memorial will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. at the Wharfinger Building, 1 Marina Way, Eureka.

Robert Steven Frick was born on November 18, 1945 in Lebanon, Oregon to Robert and Nadine Frick. Steve passed on January 30, 2025 at the age of 79. He was a resident of Orick.

Steve’s family lived in Oregon and Canada before settling in Big Lagoon in 1958. He graduated from McKinleyville High School in 1964.

Steve realized his dream of owning a trucking company, when he purchased his first truck around 1970. Steve dedicated his life to the trucking industry, which started when he began driving an off highway truck at the age of 16. Steve started working for Blankenship Trucking upon Harry’s death in 1972. He ran the trucking company until 2017, when he sold it to his son Byron.

Steve married Patricia Ross (d. 2020) in 1988 and brought along Kristy, Linda (d. 2023) and Shane to the family.

Outside of work, Steve enjoyed time spent with family, particularly with his wife Pat on many unforgettable trips to Hawaii, Nascar and drag races. Steve was a storyteller and loved talking trucks. Steve’s humor, generosity and laughter will be missed by all who knew him.

Steve is survived by his sons Kenny (Samantha) and Byron (Kimberly) of Orick; grandchildren Magen, Zack and Mackenzie; great-grandchildren Jaxon, Travis, Paige, Blair and Louella; brothers David (Lydia) of Arcata and Mike (Patti) of Eureka; nieces Jennifer Hooven (daughter of Dave and Lydia), Staci Frick and nephew Jason Frick (daughter and son of Mike and Patti).

On Sunday, February 9 , from 2 to 4 p.m., we will have a casual open house — 89 Hufford Rd, Orick.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Steve Frick’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

President Trump has entered his second term with a wave of executive orders and other executive actions. These have pulled the U.S. from international climate accords, blamed Southern California fires on “radical environmentalism” — he means us! — and portended a gutting of federal environmental laws in order to drill, frack, log, graze and mine. Jeff Miller, Senior Conservation Advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity, joins the program to discuss how the Center has prepared for Trump to take office, what this slew of new actions means for the environment, and how we can stay sane and engaged. (Jeff has also recently published a book, Bay Area Wildlife: An Irreverent Guide, with illustrations from Obi Kauffman. This might be a fun distraction from the news.)

The EcoNews Report would like to take this opportunity to say: We told you so! In June, Congressman Huffman joined the program to discuss Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation’s policy outline for a second Trump administration. Project 2025 is a template for radical far-right action for the next four years. Curious what else is in Project 2025? Here is a helpful index of topic areas. Care about National Monuments, for example? Project 2025 calls for the repeal of the Antiquities Act and the downsizing of existing National Monuments, like the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in Southern Oregon/Northern California. How fun.

AUDIO (Sorry, no transcript this week):

“The Econews Report,” Feb. 1, 2025

Sorry, friends — an unexpected wrassle with an extremely nasty case of strep throat means that the person in charge of Humboldt History was unable to pull it together this week. Do me a favor: If you think it might be strep throat, don’t wait three days to haul yourself down to urgent care. Don’t play with strep.

But we’ve been doing this collab with the very fine people at the Humboldt County Historical Society for nearly two years now, and surely there is a past column you missed? Or maybe there’s a favorite from the archives you’d like to share with others, in the comments down below? Find it, or them all, at this link.

Still want more? As always, remember: The Humboldt Historian, whence these stories come, is a journal of the Humboldt County Historical Society. The Humboldt County Historical Society is a nonprofit organization devoted to archiving, preserving and sharing Humboldt County’s rich history. You can become a member and receive a year’s worth of new issues of the Humboldt Historian at this link.

Back next week, barring a sudden outbreak of the marthambles. 

Harriet Maslin Butler-Berg was born in Beaufort, South Carolina on February 10, 1961. She passed away on January 3, 2025, surrounded by family.

Harriet was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, partner, sister, aunt, and friend. The embodiment of unconditional love, she loved and accepted everyone right where they were. She would always go out of her way to help someone in need. She rescued the lost and helped love them while their broken hearts mended.

Harriet was a free spirit who loved jewelry, books, dream catchers, nicknacks, and sun catchers. A generous person, you would rarely leave Harriet’s house without a gift. Harriet loved to travel. She particularly loved Colorado, Michigan, South Carolina, and her final resting place of California. She spent the last 28 years of her life with her partner Billy Joe Walters, who also passed on January 3, 2025, along with their dog, of 8 years, Bella Blue.

Harriet and Billy were dedicated to one another for life. Harriet was preceded in death by her grandmother, Mary Joy Meyer; her husband, Robert Michael Berg; her daughters, Meghann Paige Berg and Nicole Taber Berg; and her sisters, Stella Annette Brunson and Georgene McAlhaney.

Survived by her mother, Mary Joy Butler; 5 sisters, and 1 brother. She also leaves behind her son, Charles Christopher Meyer (Amanda); grandchildren Hannah (Issac, Roman, William, and Ensleigh), Morgan (Mabel Jean), Mason, Michael, and Madilynn. Daughter, Marisa Maslin Freeman; grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Stetson), Nathanial (Carter, Ezra, Bryson, and Grayson), and Adriana. Daughter, Kristen Anne Freeman; grandchildren, Tasia (Makai, Antonio, and Airianna), LeighAnne (Bryan) (Carter, Jason, Noah, and Willa), La’Nayjah, Chavez, and Terrell. Harriet had a special bond and relationships with her sister Michaela Murphy, and her children; BreAnne Uselton, Tyler Butler-Smith, Sean Butler-Smith, Tyler Murphy, and Caitlyn Murphy. Harriet truly treasured and cherished her relationships with each of them. Their relationships were built and strengthened over the years of Harriet living in Humboldt County.

Harriet, and her partner Billy, were instrumental in the upbringing of Kristen’s 3 daughters. They were the loving figures in the lives of Tasia, LeighAnne, and La’Nayjah, that the girls needed until their mom, Kristen, found her way to sobriety. Kristen will never forget the unwavering love, support, and sacrifices that Harriet and Billy provided.

A particularly happy time in Harriet’s life was her time selling blueberries in the Southern California Farmer’s Markets. She would take the girls to the markets with her. They would help sell the blueberries, as well as their own arts and crafts, that they made in their free time. As a past business owner, and natural salesperson, Harriet enjoyed meeting everyday folks, as well as celebrities like Pink and Oprah Winfrey.

Harriet had planned to have some medical procedures completed and intended to return to South Carolina to reunite with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and mother. She really missed her relationships with them and would try and keep up with everyone on Facebook. She longed and desired to reconnect and rebuild the relationships that were affected by them relocating to California. It was the dream Harriet was working on making come true.

A Celebration Of Life will be held for family and close friends in March of 2025. The location and time are still to be determined. The family would like to say a special thank you for the overwhelming outpour of love and support from the community.

On January 3, 2025, Billy left this world to join his father, Marlon Walters; his mother, Carolyn Walters; nephew, Keith Walters; great-niece, Shakoda Jackson; and the love of his life, Harriet Butler-Berg, who also passed away on January 3, 2025, in Heaven. Billy was a wonderful son, brother, father, uncle, husband, and Papa. He was dedicated to the ones he loved.

Billy was born on July 23, 1964, to Marlon and Carolyn Walters. Billy leaves behind four brothers: James Walters, Dale (Janet) Walters, Jeremiah Walters, and Joshua Walters; and his sisters: Shirley Walters and Rachel Cardoso. He is also survived by his two sons, Christopher Walters and Jacob Walters; four nieces, Deborah Walters, Sarah Anderson, Jennifer Bainbridge, and Cynthia Trager; three great-nephews, Alex Walters, Sebastian Reiter, and Kayden Anderson; and two great-nieces, Roxy and Kaileigh Bainbridge.

Billy met Harriet, the love of his life, 29 years ago, and they were inseparable ever since. Through those 29 years, their love never faltered and only grew stronger. From the beginning of their relationship, he accepted Harriet’s children and grandchildren as his own. He leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren on Harriet’s side. He was a supportive partner to Harriet in the upbringing of Kristen’s three daughters: Tasia, LeighAnne, and La’Nayjah. Kristen relocated to California 10 years ago to be with the girls, and Billy and Harriet settled into the role of being grandparents to them. They were still the heart of the family, and Kristen will never forget the love and sacrifices made by them in her absence.

Billy was multi-talented and worked in many different fields of construction. He was a journeyman in the Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry for decades. He also ventured into plumbing, vinyl siding, and electrical work. Later in life, he assisted Harriet and the girls at the Southern California Farmers’ Markets selling blueberries. He enjoyed taking the girls to work with him from time to time and letting them be his helpers.

Billy absolutely loved his dog, Bella Blue. He enjoyed spending time at the beaches and rivers. You could often find Billy and Bella Blue together at the water, just hanging out. He loved country music and was fascinated with the American Bald Eagle. He had collected some amazing art pieces throughout the years. He loved eating sweets and was big on his banana pudding. Often, you would catch him with candy or a big piece of cake. He was a hardworking and dedicated man who loved life and loved his family.

Billy had upcoming medical procedures scheduled for 2025. After the process of healing and recovery, his intention was to travel with Harriet back to South Carolina to reunite with family. He loved all his grands and great-grands. Even in his absence, his desire was to reconnect and rekindle relationships with each of them. A Celebration of Life is being held in March 2025 for family and close friends. The location and time are still to be determined. The family would like to say a special thank you for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support from the community.

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