Was Live Tue, Jun 18, 2024 | 11am PST
Guest Speakers
- Pamela Riley, Chief Health Equity Officer and Assistant Deputy Director, Quality and Population Health Management, Department of Health Care Services
- Debbie Toth, President and CEO, Choice in Aging
- Michael Whalen, Program Director, The Bedford Center, Choice in Aging
Event Overview
Although California reached its lowest uninsured rate in 2022, access barriers to timely, quality, and equitable health care still remain for many Californians. These access gaps result in health disparities, as people from underserved groups — particularly low-income individuals and people of color — experience higher rates of illness and death.
Over the last decade, DHCS has made historic investments to eliminate health disparities by transforming Medi-Cal, including: expanding Medi-Cal to all low-income Californians, regardless of immigration status; eliminating the “asset test” requirement so only income is considered when determining Medi-Cal eligibility; expanding language access so members can receive interpretation services; and creating new Community Supports that provide culturally responsive care well beyond the doctor’s office, including housing aid, nutritious meals, and substance abuse treatment.
Furthering this commitment to health equity, DHCS leaders went on a statewide tour to listen to Medi-Cal members who have experienced health inequity firsthand. These listening sessions, hosted by community-based organizations, were the first phase of the DHCS Health Equity Roadmap, a new multi-year initiative to create a more member-driven whole-person Medi-Cal.
With the first phase complete, the Health Equity Roadmap will now be developed through a co-design phase that will use member feedback to make Medi-Cal more equitable.
