Californians newly eligible for Medi-Cal under health care reform

Abstract

About 2.13 million nonelderly Californians who were uninsured for all or part of 2009 are newly-eligible for Medi-Cal under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010. Analysis of the 2009 California Health Interview Survey indicates that this newly-eligible population is often single, working-age and employed. Their rates of most chronic conditions are similar to those currently enrolled in Medi-Cal, but they have less access to care. The characteristics of the population of the newly-eligible for Medi-Cal under ACA are likely to change by 2014 when the major provisions of the law are fully implemented. However, coverage of this newly-eligible low-income population is likely to improve their access to health services.