In a significant push to bolster healthcare enrollment across the city, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is calling on residents to quickly apply for Medi-Cal benefits. According to a recent announcement from the Mayor's office, the clock is ticking for Angelenos who are looking to secure their healthcare before a looming December 31 deadline. Post this pivotal date, only individuals who satisfy specific federal immigration criteria will have the opportunity to enroll in the program, potentially leaving many without coverage.
The urgency of this matter is amplified by the undeniable link healthcare costs have to homelessness — as the Mayor emphasized in her statements. Indeed, an unexpected medical bill can sufficiently disrupt a person's income, leading to detrimental impacts on housing stability. "Healthcare costs are one of the major causes of people falling into homelessness. Preventing homelessness is key to our efforts in addressing this humanitarian crisis," Mayor Bass told official channels. She appeals to all eligible city residents to enroll in Medi-Cal before the change in eligibility requirements comes into effect the next year, to help Angelenos maintain their health and housing.
The efforts to enroll more residents are not without support. Conway Collis, President and CEO of the Mayor’s Fund for LA, shared that caseworkers are available seven days a week to help with Medi-Cal applications, renewals, and eligibility queries. Santana-Chin, CEO of L.A. Care Health Plan, stresses the importance of timely and comprehensive healthcare that can be afforded through Medi-Cal coverage. Echoing the sentiment of city leaders, Bukola Olusanya, Regional Medical Director at St. John’s Community Health, highlighted the essential role undocumented workers play in the community and the necessity of access to healthcare services for these individuals.
Mayor Bass' We Are LA program, a part of the Mayor's Fund aiming to increase housing stability and prevent homelessness, is actively engaged in outreach to ensure that applications are submitted before the deadline. The program connects people at risk of eviction with essential resources and services, such as Medi-Cal, food assistance, and legal aid. Angelenos are prompted to apply or seek assistance through the We Are LA Hotline at (213) 584-1808 if they require enrollment support ahead of the December 31 cutoff.
Current enrollees of full-scope Medi-Cal should note that their coverage will remain intact regardless of their immigration status, provided they complete their annual renewal. However, those who lose their coverage after this change will be limited to signing up again for only emergency and pregnancy-related care. The city emphasizes that income-eligible children and pregnant individuals can still enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal, ensuring necessary health protections during these crucial life stages.
