Summary
Published Date: April 24, 2025
Using enrollment data from California’s Department of Health Care Services, demographic data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, and health outcome data from the 2019–2023 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), this data brief provides key facts on Medi-Cal beneficiaries and underscores the broader community and economic implications of reductions to Medicaid funding.
Findings:
- Disproportionate Impact on Latinos: Latinos make up 52% of Medi-Cal enrollees, compared to their 40% share of the state’s population.
- Labor Force Participation: Latino Medi-Cal beneficiaries participate in the labor force at higher rates (63%) than other groups, yet work requirements could lead to 2.3 million enrollees losing coverage, over half of whom are Latino.
- Essential Workers: Over 1.4 million Latino Medi-Cal enrollees work in critical industries like hospitality, health care, and construction, often in low-wage jobs without employer-sponsored insurance.
- Youth and Seniors: Latino children account for 38% of Latino enrollees, while Latino seniors account for 35% of senior enrollees. Both groups rely heavily on Medi-Cal for regular health care coverage and long-term care.
- Chronic Conditions: Latino and Black enrollees face higher rates of diabetes (18%) compared to the general population (11%), with Medi-Cal providing vital care for managing chronic conditions.
- Geographic Impact: Counties like Los Angeles, Riverside, and Fresno, and congressional districts such as CA-22, CA-34, and CA-35, with large Latino populations, would face significant economic and health challenges from cuts.