Legislative Analyst's Office
HEALTH OVERVIEW
State General Fund expenditures for health services are estimated to be $7.4 billion in 1994-95. General Fund expenditures for these programs are estimated to increase by $1.9 billion, or 34 percent, between 1987-88 and 1994-95. General Fund spending increased significantly until 1991-92, when realignment legislation shifted $1.7 billion of health services program costs from the General Fund to the Local Revenue Fund, which is funded through state sales taxes and vehicle license fees.
Combined General Fund and special funds spending (including realignment funds) is estimated to increase by $4 billion, or 72 percent, between 1987-88 and 1994-95. This represents an average annual increase of 8 percent.
The caseload table shows the average monthly caseloads for the major health programs from 1992-93 through 1994-95 and the annual percentage change between 1993-94 and 1994-95. It shows that Medi-Cal cases (persons eligible for services) and regional center clients are projected to increase, whereas the number of state hospital and developmental center residents is projected to decline.
The federal, state, and local governments fund numerous programs that provide health services. The major programs are discussed below.
