Researchers and advocates from across the state gathered in Sacramento today for a briefing hosted by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Blue Shield of California Foundation to accompany the release of their new report, Coverage Expansions and the Remaining Uninsured: A Look at California During Year One of ACA Implementation.
The report focused on California’s experiences during the first full year after implementation of the Affordable Care Act’s coverage expansion. Focusing on those who have gained coverage either through Covered California or an expanded Medi-Cal program, the report examined the state’s health care system after roughly 4.4 million people have enrolled in coverage in the two programs. Using results from a comprehensive survey, the report found that those with insurance were more likely to use it, but the newly insured had more trouble than the previously insured navigating how to use their coverage. Additionally, almost half (47%) of those newly enrolled in Covered California reported having difficulty affording their monthly premiums, compared to 27% of those who were previously ensured prior to 2014. The report also found that community clinics and health centers are increasingly relied upon by the uninsured and newly insured.
NEW: How did California's uninsured & newly-insured fare in the 1st year of the #ACA? http://t.co/wZzFpnzKkt #ACAinCA pic.twitter.com/4aJazW1Xl6
— KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) (@KFF) May 28, 2015
Affordability still a barrier for California's uninsured #ACAinCA pic.twitter.com/WWyPKdgSgI
— Peter Long, Ph.D. (@PeterLongBSC) May 28, 2015
Community clinics & health centers have become primary care foundation of Medi-Cal. #ACAinCA @KaiserFamFound pic.twitter.com/9nTHoqne4Q
— California Primary Care Association (@CPCA) May 28, 2015
#ACAinCA rpt speaks to importance of Community Clinics – newly insured continue to choose them for care. Plans and state rely on them too.
— CPEHN (@CPEHN) May 28, 2015
The briefing began with a presentation by the report’s authors, who were followed by California Department of Health Care Services Director Jennifer Kent, who discussed the ACA’s dramatic coverage expansions:
DHCS Director Jennifer Kent: Med-Cal's early implementation of ACA key to expanding coverage to millions. #ACAinCA
— Department of Health Care Services (@DHCS_CA) May 28, 2015
Medi-Cal enrollment in Oct. 2012 = 7.6M. Now? 12.3M. Increase of 62%. Still boggles my mind. #ACAinCA #Medicaid
— Emily Bazar (@emilybazar) May 28, 2015
Kent also noted that DHCS is still working out some issues, but with federal support in the coming years, the department’s programs will only get better:
A big issue that the state is still grappling with is the churning between Medi-Cal and Covered Cal.
— CPEHN (@CPEHN) May 28, 2015
Director Kent talks about 1115 waiver vision – we have done a really good job in the 1st 5 yrs. Watch out what we can do in the next 5.
— CPEHN (@CPEHN) May 28, 2015
The briefing concluded with a panel discussion featuring Covered California Board member Genoveva Islas from Cultiva La Salud, Carmela Castellano-Garcia from the California Primary Care Association, and CPEHN’s Sarah de Guia.
The three discussed the report’s findings and also what still needs to be done to cover the remaining uninsured, many of whom are ineligible due to their immigration status. The three mentioned the importance of SB 4 (Lara), the Health for All Act, which passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee earlier in the day.
Today's panelists Genoveva Islas & Carmela Castellano discuss #ACAinCA @KaiserFamFound pic.twitter.com/QKLyi6K0Sn
— Peter Long, Ph.D. (@PeterLongBSC) May 28, 2015
Islas: I wish we could create a system that is accessible for all Californians (including 3-4 mil undocumented) #health4all #ACAinCA
— CPEHN (@CPEHN) May 28, 2015
.@carmelaCgarcia discussing how community health centers are vital for patients during #ACAinCA coverage expansions. Continue to be leaders
— CPEHN (@CPEHN) May 28, 2015
"Not only are we retaining patients, but we are growing and have become the primary care backbone of the Medi-Cal program!" #ACAinCA @CPCA
— Carmela C. Garcia (@CarmelaCGarcia) May 28, 2015
CPEHN's Sarah de Guia on #ACAinCA panel: We saw targeting marketing to Latinos and African Americans did work. But still work to be done.
— CPEHN (@CPEHN) May 28, 2015
Islas: We do understand health care in US is very expensive and will take time to bring costs down. #ACAinCA survey shows costs a challenge
— CPEHN (@CPEHN) May 28, 2015
A lot of work needs to be done to help patients understand their coverage – Sarah de Guia, JD, CA Pan-Ethnic Health Network #ACAinCA
— Carmela C. Garcia (@CarmelaCGarcia) May 28, 2015
You can check out the full report on Kaiser Family Foundation’s website.