FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 13, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT
Francisco Aviles Pino
New UCLA LPPI Research Highlights Continued Barriers to Health Care Access for Immigrants in California, Despite Medi-Cal Expansion
LOS ANGELES – The UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute (UCLA LPPI) published a research brief focusing on California’s efforts to expand healthcare access for undocumented residents. The brief reveals that while the state has made significant strides in covering vulnerable populations with incomes below the 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) with the latest Medi-Cal expansion, there are still barriers preventing undocumented individuals with higher incomes from accessing affordable healthcare.
The brief authors emphasize the need for further expansion of health coverage to include undocumented adults whose incomes exceed 138% of the FPL. They also highlight critical implementation lessons of the 2022 Medi-Cal expansion to adults 50 and above, specifically in areas of technology access, language accessibility in enrollment and renewal, and how immigration status and public charge rules create obstacles to accessing high-quality care.
“We must recognize that undocumented immigrants are an integral part of our economy and society,” said Dr. Arturo Vargas Bustamante, a professor of health policy and management at UCLA and lead author of the report. “Excluding undocumented immigrants from health care policies only perpetuates inequities and undermines our collective well-being. California must take bold and inclusive steps to ensure equitable access to health care for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.”
The UCLA LPPI brief was based on quantitative data from the California Health Interview Survey and qualitative data from key informant interviews and offers several policy recommendations to address these barriers and ensure equitable access to health care for all residents, regardless of immigration status. The recommendations include:
- Expanding Medi-Cal eligibility to all low-income residents, regardless of immigration status.
- Addressing technological and linguistic barriers in the enrollment and renewal process, including providing enrollment assistance through community organizations or establishing accessible enrollment centers equipped with technology and trained staff.
- Exploring options to allow undocumented immigrants with incomes above 138% of the FPL to purchase subsidized health coverage through Covered California.
California has one of the largest undocumented populations in the country and is leading the nation in expanding state-subsidized health coverage to undocumented immigrants. The state has expanded health care coverage or made commitments for income-eligible children, young adults aged 26 to 49, and adults aged 50 and above. However, this new research highlights the continuing need for further expansion.
“The findings of this brief highlight the urgent need to address persistent barriers and create full access to quality health care for all,” said Dr. Lucía Félix-Beltrán, co-author of the report and a senior fellow at UCLA LPPI. “We hope that our findings provide essential evidence for future advocacy efforts and serve as a resource for policymakers, advocates and community organizations working to ensure equitable access to health care for all California residents, regardless of immigration status.”
Download the brief here.
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ABOUT THE UCLA LATINO POLICY AND POLITICS INSTITUTE
The UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute addresses the most critical domestic policy challenges facing Latinos and other communities of color through research, advocacy, mobilization, and leadership development to expand genuine opportunity for all Americans.
