DHCS: California Health Care Roadmap Will Make Medi-Cal More Accessible, Member-Driven

Edward Henderson | California Black Media (CBM) – Although California reached its lowest uninsured rate in state history in 2022, many Californians still do not have access to timely, quality and affordable health care. This disparity disproportionally affects Black Californians and other people from underserved groups, particularly low-income individuals. Public Health authorities say this racial gap contributes to higher rates of illness and premature death. “African American Californians are among the most likely groups to report that they always make their health a& priority. However, African American Californians experience disparities in care and outcomes despite having higher health insurance coverage rates (93 percent) than the state average,” according to data included in a California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) report. “For example, the life expectancy at birth for African American Californians is five years shorter than the state average and the lowest life expectancy of all racial and ethnic groups,” the report continues. & Dr. Pamela Riley, Chief Health Equity Officer and Assistant Deputy Director of Quality and Population Health Management at DHCS said the disparities should not exist. “Who you are and where you live should not determine whether you live or how well you live,” said Riley....