Full Citation

Title: Health Coverage and Care for Undocumented Immigrants

Citation Type: Miscellaneous

Publication Year: 2015

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Abstract: Insurance coverage expansions have been linked to multiple benefits for individuals, communities, and the state. California is taking important steps to broaden affordable options for undocumented immigrants, who comprise a substantial share of uninsured state residents. California will soon extend Medi-Cal coverage to undocumented children and already provides it to some low-income undocumented immigrants. Future options may include comprehensive Medi-Cal and unsubsidized access to Covered California, the states health insurance exchange. About half of Californias undocumented immigrants have incomes low enough to qualify for Medi-Cal should coverage be offered to them. Their highest concentrations are in Los Angeles, Orange, and Santa Clara Counties, the Inland Empire, and the San Joaquin Valley. Those with incomes too high for Medi-Cal are concentrated in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, where premium costs are highest. Even with access to Covered California, lack of subsidies will keep many of them from coverage. Studies have shown that uninsured families are more likely to suffer from poor health and financial hardships. Without coverage, Californias undocumented adults will continue to rely on county indigent programs and safety net services, adding pressures to these local entities.

Url: http://www.ppic.org/content/pubs/report/R_1115SMR.pdf

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Hayes, Joseph; Hill, Laura; McConville, Shannon; Ugo, Iwunze

Publisher: Public Policy Institute of California

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Health, Migration and Immigration, Poverty and Welfare

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