South Los Angeles’ Medi-Cal program will cover more individuals regardless of immigration status.
Better physical and mental health services await residents of South Los Angeles. (Photo: Pinterest)
South Los Angeles’ Medi-Cal Program
In South Los Angeles, Juana Dominguez is urging parents and street vendors to enroll in Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program. Starting in January 2020, South Los Angeles will open its Medicaid program to anyone with a low enough income, regardless of immigration status.
This expansion is expected to reach the last remaining group of undocumented individuals in South Los Angeles, ages 26 to 49. More than 700,000 people in South Los Angeles will be eligible for “full scope” coverage, which includes preventative care and treatment for chronic conditions.
According to a published article by the Los Angeles Times, fear is still prevalent in South Los Angeles as people worry that using these benefits could impact their chances of obtaining a green card or citizenship. Dominguez reassures individuals that Medi-Cal benefits for people in South Los Angeles do not affect immigration decisions, except in cases involving long-term stays in mental health or nursing institutions.
Better Physical And Mental Health Care
In a published article by Kaiser Health News, the changes in Medi-Cal will enforce stricter quality measures for women and children. The plans will also aim to better integrate physical and mental health care and cater to the cultural and linguistic needs of members.
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