A program to provide health care for all uninsured San Franciscans was set to expand citywide Monday with the opening of 20 more clinics, despite an ongoing legal challenge from the city's restaurant industry.
More than 1,000 people have enrolled in Healthy San Francisco since two Chinatown pilot clinics opened in July. Officials said they hope the new clinics will help them reach a goal of more than 17,000 participants by the end of the year.
San Francisco has about 82,000 uninsured residents, according to city estimates.
Backers of the $196 million program unveiled last year by Mayor Gavin Newsom and Supervisor Tom Ammiano said funding would come from the city health department's budget and co-payments from participants.
If city officials have their way, another $28 million would come from city business owners who do not provide insurance for their employees. The city's Golden Gate Restaurant Association has sued over the measure, saying the employer spending requirement violates federal law.
A ruling on the lawsuit is expected by November.
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