To the editor: The blame for California's poor performance in young children's access to preventive care falls largely on the Medi-Cal program. (“Hours on hold, limited appointments: Why California babies aren't going to the doctor,” February 26)
In 2021, 85% of Medi-Cal enrollees were in managed care plans sold by private insurance companies. Making money is a major goal of these insurers and is achieved by limiting access through narrow networks and prior authorizations that cause delays.
The state spends time and money to monitor and fine managed care plans that do not provide the services they are paid to coordinate and provide.
Perhaps we should look to Connecticut as an example of how our Medi-Cal program can reduce administrative costs and provide better access to care. In 2012, Connecticut ended private insurance in its Medicaid program and implemented an effective and efficient public program, resulting in improved access to services.
Carol Fodera, The Crascenta
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To the editor: Your article highlights the Medi-Cal access crisis. But as a doctor who treats children, I think it's important to know that there is a solution on the horizon that should give us all hope.
California has made significant progress in expanding Medi-Cal coverage, but the crucial piece of the puzzle—access to health care—has not been realized. The problem stems from a severe, decades-long underfunding of the program that insures more than 15 million Californians.
Fortunately, an upcoming ballot measure will help patients get the care they need.
In the coming weeks, the initiative is expected to qualify for the November 2024 ballot. It will ensure that health care programs for low-income families, seniors and children finally receive funding, which is important considering the looming state budget shortfall .
We hope to finally close the access gap for all Californians.
Shannon Udovic-Constant, MD, San Francisco
The writer is president-elect of the California Medical Association.
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To the editor: Community health centers can improve access to and compliance with preventive care for children with Medi-Cal.
Venice Family Clinic has special initiatives designed specifically to reach children, including an Early Head Start program where 97% of children are up to date on their immunizations and 87% are up to date on well-child visits.
A recent partnership brought this comprehensive program for children up to 3 years old to families at HomeLight Family Living, a program of Midnight Mission in Inglewood.
We also provide comprehensive care on five different school campuses. This adds to a network of sites in nine Los Angeles County communities that offer a wide range of services.
Providing this type of comprehensive care where families are and ensuring easy access to comprehensive services in a single visit is just what the doctor ordered to improve the health of our children.
Mitesh Popat, MD, Venice
The writer is CEO of Venice Family Clinic.
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To the editor: I'm trying to figure out how California can boast that 97% of its children have health insurance and at the same time rank 46th out of 50 states in providing preventive care to children under 5 years old.
If the state does not provide basic preventive care, such as vaccines and screenings, to young children, then, sorry, those children do not have health insurance. They have a useless card with their name on it that does nothing for them.
Do better, California.
Terri Fox, Torrance
