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MLK Jr. Community Hospital, vital to LA community, could shut down again due to Medicaid cuts
By Josh Haskell at ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC)
· July 18, 2026
· 1 min read
MLK Jr. Community Hospital in Willowbrook is facing a crisis due to staggering cuts to Medicaid, stemming from the Big Beautiful Bill. "If that hospital shuts down, people will die," said Congresswoman Maxine Waters, who represents Willowbrook.
Key takeaway "If that hospital shuts down, people will die," said Congresswoman Maxine Waters, who represents Willowbrook.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The potential closure of MLK Jr. Community Hospital due to Medicaid cuts has significant implications for the Los Angeles community, particularly in the Willowbrook area. As a vital healthcare provider, the hospital's shutdown would leave a substantial gap in medical services for local residents. Congresswoman Maxine Waters' stark warning that people will die if the hospital closes underscores the gravity of the situation. The hospital's role in providing essential healthcare services to the community means that its closure would disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including low-income families and individuals who rely on Medicaid. The impact of the Big Beautiful Bill's Medicaid cuts on local healthcare infrastructure is a pressing concern that warrants close attention from city and county officials, as well as community leaders, to explore potential solutions and mitigate the effects of the funding reduction.
About this story
Original reporting by ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? MLK Jr. Community Hospital in Willowbrook is facing a crisis due to staggering cuts to Medicaid, stemming from the Big Beautiful Bill. "If that hospital shuts down, people will die," said Congresswoman Maxine Waters, who represents Willowbrook.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Josh Haskell at ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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