Los Angeles County health system again facing major deficits

Los Angeles County's public health system is once again facing budget deficits that threaten to grow into the hundreds of millions of dollars. A lifeline for many of the county's 2 million uninsured residents, the health system is expected to run a deficit of $344 million during the fiscal year beginning in July. By 2011, the annual deficit is expected to reach $1.2 billion, according to a memorandum issued the health department's interim director.