SAN DIEGO -- The state of California's budget crisis is expected to impact all Californians, but it might impact one part of the population more than others.

Cuts to Medi-Cal may mean less treatment for the elderly and disabled.

Many senior citizens need help on a daily basis, and right now Medi-Cal provides some of that help. However, the program could be cut if and when the state Legislature passes its budget.

Five days a week, Kathy Bazner comes to the Americare Adult Day Health Care Center in San Marcos. She can exercise, eat and socialize at the center, and Medi-Cal pays her way.

But the state Legislature might trim Medi-Cal to save money, which means Bazner might only be able to go to the center for three days.

"She'll be forced to go to a skilled-nursing facility, which will cost the state more money," said Bazner's sister, Nancie Froning.

Froning is upset because her sister used to work fulltime and paid state taxes.

When asked if she though the system was failing her sister, Froning said, "Yes."

About 100 seniors and disabled clients come to this facility every day, and thousands more go to similar adult day cares throughout San Diego County.

"This is not the right place to actually cut expense," said an Americare administrator.

Administrators said the state is trying to balance its budget on the backs of its weakest citizens.

James Mellor, 82, doesn't think he and his wife could live without the adult day care.

"I don't think I could function on my own. I would probably have to go into one myself," said Mellor.

Many of the people at Americare live with family but come to the center while family members work.

"The biggest problem we have is she can't be left alone at home," said Mike

Bart Billings' father-in-law goes to Americare, and he told 10News, "They are able to be here five days a week and that relieves the burden of the family to care for them, but only in the evening."

The state's plan could backfire, and family members said if adult day care is cut some of the people who rely on the center could get worse and would cost the state even more money down the road.

"I think they're thinking about pennies today instead of dollars tomorrow," said Froning.

Under an older proposal, the medical funding for adult day care was completely eliminated but that plan was scratched.