LA County Proposes Half-Cent Healthcare Sales Tax

Measure aims to offset Medi-Cal cuts from Congress and Trump administration.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Los Angeles County officials have placed a measure on the June 2026 ballot that would raise the county sales tax by half a cent to help fund healthcare services. The move comes in response to cuts in Medi-Cal funding from Congress and the Trump administration, which have created a gap in healthcare access for many residents.

Why it matters

The proposed tax increase is an attempt by LA County to maintain critical healthcare services for low-income residents in the face of reduced federal funding for Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program. This reflects a broader trend of states and localities having to step in to fill gaps left by federal healthcare policy changes.

The details

The LA County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to place the half-cent sales tax increase on the June 2026 ballot. If approved by voters, the tax hike is expected to generate around $1 billion annually to support county healthcare programs and services. This includes funding for public hospitals, clinics, mental health services, and other initiatives aimed at providing care for uninsured and underinsured residents.

  • The LA County Board of Supervisors voted on the ballot measure in February 2026.
  • The half-cent sales tax increase will be on the June 2026 ballot for LA County voters to decide.

The players

LA County Board of Supervisors

The governing body of Los Angeles County, which voted to place the healthcare sales tax measure on the June 2026 ballot.

Congress

The U.S. Congress, which has made cuts to Medi-Cal funding that prompted LA County to seek new revenue sources for healthcare.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president whose administration also implemented policies that reduced Medi-Cal funding, leading to the healthcare funding gap in LA County.

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What they’re saying

“We must act now to protect the health and wellbeing of our most vulnerable residents in the face of federal funding cuts.”

— Sheila Kuehl, LA County Supervisor (Press Telegram)

What’s next

If approved by voters in June 2026, the half-cent sales tax increase would go into effect later that year and provide an estimated $1 billion annually in new funding for LA County healthcare services.

The takeaway

This ballot measure reflects the growing burden on state and local governments to maintain essential healthcare access as federal support is reduced. The outcome in LA County could set an example for other regions facing similar challenges in funding Medicaid and other public health programs.