Important points
California expanded Medi-Cal to all eligible residents, regardless of immigration status, improving health outcomes for noncitizen children. However, gaps remain for uninsured and undocumented adults, highlighting the need for continued efforts to promote health equity and economic stability for all Californians. .
Immigrants are an integral part of California’s communities and state’s social fabric. California has long distinguished itself from other states by promoting inclusive policies that support immigration while fostering economic growth. An important example is the state’s efforts to make coverage through Medi-Cal, California’s state Medicaid program, more accessible to immigrants. This year, California became the first state in the nation to extend comprehensive Medi-Cal coverage to all eligible Californians, regardless of immigration status. The timeline below shows steps state leaders have taken to end unfair exclusions in Medi-Cal.
A look at reported health outcomes shows promising signs that the expansion of Medi-Cal to undocumented Californians is having a positive impact on health. Data show that the percentage of noncitizen children reporting good health after expansion increased by 10 points, from 20% to 30%. In contrast, unaffected civilian children experienced no change in their reported health status. This analysis suggests that, at a high level, there is a link between access and improved health outcomes.
California has led the nation in closing the health insurance gap, but access remains limited for undocumented Californians who do not qualify for Medi-Cal or do not have employer-based health insurance. . The proportion of Californians who are uninsured hit a record low of 6.5% in 2022, but the increase is not evenly distributed. Studies show that more than one in four undocumented immigrants under age 64 remain uninsured because they are excluded from Covered California.
Because health insurance is essential to preventing poverty and promoting economic stability, universal access to health care benefits all Californians. People who are uninsured are more likely to face higher medical costs and medical debt, and are less likely to receive preventive care or treatment for chronic conditions.
Policymakers can continue to advance health care equity by ending unfair exclusions in the state’s health insurance marketplace, Covered California. By building on the historic expansion of Medi-Cal and investing in other equitable health policies, policymakers can ensure that all Californians can be healthy and prosperous.
