One year after California expanded Medi-Cal

A year ago, California expanded its Medi-Cal program, tens of thousands of undocumented residents who were previously uninsured can now access health services without affecting their immigration status.

While many have been able to get in, in the face of anti-immigrant campaigns, many others are reluctant to enroll.

Dr. Ilan Shapiro, Chief Health Correspondent and Head of Medical Affairs, AltaMed Health Services, Los Angeles, CA, comments that a year after the law that expanded health coverage to undocumented immigrants went into effect, he believes that part of the balance is peace of mind for some migrants who already have insurance.

Dr. Ilan Shapiro, said that there are people in our community who want to go to a specialist, but there is a lack of experts in the system.

He explained that the system can still be improved, but it is an advance, there is certainly more movement, and there are still challenges.

Dr. Ilan Shapiro, says that the ideal is that patients have doctors in all areas.

He adds that social services are also important and can be improved.

Another relevant issue is to do our part and be aware that we ourselves must take care of our health, let’s listen to Dr. Ilan Shapiro.

Other people without documents have not enrolled for fear of the new actions and threats of the Trump administration that is about to start.

In addition, he says it is important to be informed in order to make the best decisions, since we have to wait to know what is going to happen.

Remember that in the state of California, undocumented immigrants have had access for the past year to the state’s Medi Cal health program, which offers full medical coverage regardless of immigration status.

And you can receive free or low-cost health care, including doctor visits, prescription drugs, dental services, mental health care, and transportation to medical appointments.