Medi-Cal covers over 13 million people, more than the entire population of every state except Texas, New York, and Florida. As California’s state Medicaid program, it finances healthcare access for low-income children and adults and pays for a great deal of care for seniors and the disabled. It is the largest Medicaid program in the nation, with an annual budget comprising state and federal funds of more than $90 billion.

it is critical to understand the growth of Medi-Cal over time, its economic and social benefits, and its strengths and weaknesses. It is particularly important to recognize that this is now a program that covers millions of working Californians—and hence enhances their health and economic productivity—in addition to paying for the care of millions of children, the disabled, and elderly residents.

Publication Authors:

• Micah Weinberg
• Patrick Kallerman