California’s Health Care Program for Low-Income Residents Opens Up to Immigrants
Milagro, a Peruvian immigrant in Riverside County, California, has struggled with limited access to health care during her two decades in the United States. The 48-year-old, who works as the office manager at a nonprofit, has been able to access emergency care and certain medical tests and procedures through state benefits available to immigrants without legal residency. However, long wait times and distant locations have made it difficult for her to receive regular health care services.
With the upcoming expansion of California’s health care program for low-income residents, known as Medi-Cal, Milagro, and her husband, are among more than 700,000 immigrants aged 26-49 who will now qualify for full health insurance starting January 1. This expansion will provide them with better access to essential services, including primary and specialty care, dental checkups, prescription medications, inpatient hospital care, lab tests, scans, and mental health services.
Advocates for immigrants emphasize the life-changing impact of this expansion, as individuals without health insurance are generally at a higher risk of health issues and premature death. According to Sarah Dar, policy director at the California Immigrant Policy Center in Los Angeles, the ability to receive regular checkups and access preventive care will significantly improve the health outcomes of these individuals.
The projected cost of extending full Medi-Cal coverage to eligible individuals in the 26-49 age range, regardless of immigration status, is estimated to be $1.4 billion in the first six months and $3.4 billion annually upon full implementation. However, reaching and enrolling this population poses several challenges, including language barriers, fears of legal repercussions, and misinformation about how Medi-Cal enrollment may impact their immigration status.
To address these challenges, the Department of Health Care Services is leading an outreach campaign in 19 languages to inform immigrants about the expansion of health benefits. Additionally, resources are available to help individuals navigate the enrollment process, including a webpage on the Department of Health Care Services website and assistance from community clinics and county offices.
Despite the promising prospects of expanded health coverage, the expansion of benefits coincides with the disenrollment of over 900,000 Medi-Cal beneficiaries due to incomplete paperwork. Immigrants currently receiving restricted Medi-Cal benefits must also demonstrate their continued income eligibility during this unwinding process, adding complexity to the enrollment process.
Nonetheless, individuals like Brenda, a 33-year-old Los Angeles County resident, express optimism about the potential to receive comprehensive health care benefits. Brenda, who lacks legal immigration status, looks forward to addressing her health care needs, including dental care and screenings for breast cancer and diabetes once the expansion takes effect in January.
Overall, this expansion represents a significant milestone for immigrant residents in California, providing them with the opportunity to access essential health care services that were previously out of reach.
