Budget & Policy Center Publishes Issue Brief on Health Coverage During and After COVID-19

This week, the California Budget & Policy Center published an issue brief around health coverage during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The report discusses recent short-term actions by policymakers to mitigate serious health threats caused by COVID-19, including extending coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatment through Medi-Cal.

While these actions have provided temporary access to a narrow set of health services, the report further analyzes the longstanding issue of health insurance coverage gaps, particularly among high-risk populations. Seniors, especially those who are undocumented, could significantly benefit from having access to preventive health services and routine care that promote overall health over the long term. The report lastly outlines actions available to state lawmakers to expand Medi-Cal eligibility to include California’s seniors who are undocumented.

The full California Budget & Policy Center issue brief is available here.