Millions of Californians will gain access to Medi-Cal under upcoming federal health care reform. This report finds that the majority of today’s uninsured poor are relatively young and healthy – good news from a cost perspective. But at least 25 percent could have substantial health issues. Understanding their needs is critical to preparing for health care reform. Survey data and focus group interviews round out this portrait of California’s potential new users of Medi-Cal.
Supported with funding from the California Program on Access to Care.