That’s alarmed families like the Pequeños, who rely on Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, to pay for medical care and other support for their children with chronic conditions. But Aaron Carruthers, executive director of the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities, said he doesn’t see how cuts to Medicaid can be avoided under the Republican plan. “No one’s life should be cut short because of the government’s choices.”This story was produced in collaboration with the California Health Report. She writes on topics related to health care, social justice, and maternal and child well-being. Her investigative stories on access to mental health care have resulted in legislative and policy changes.