MORENO VALLEY>> On August 24, Congressman Mark Takano has joined prominent state and Inland healthcare leaders at a public town hall meeting to highlight the benefits of expanding Medi-Cal and the harmful social and financial consequences that would result from repealing the Affordable Care Act or cutting Medicaid funding.
The free evening forum was sponsored by Riverside University Health System and the California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems. The public discourse comes amidst efforts in Washington D.C. to repeal provisions of the Affordable Care Act, including the Medicaid expansion, that are critical to the health of the Inland region. Though these efforts have slowed for now, deep cuts to the Medicaid program are likely to be a part of future policy proposals.
More than 1.2 million residents in Riverside and San Bernardino counties rely on Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program) for health coverage, including 400,000 adults between the ages of 19 and 64 who gained coverage under the ACA’s expansion of Medi-Cal. A single adult can earn no more than $16,395 annually and a family of four, no more than $33,534 to qualify for Medi-Cal coverage. Medi-Cal helps low-income families and individuals get the care they need to stay healthy and active.
Dr. Brad Gilbert, CEO of the Inland Empire Health Plan—one of the nation’s largest managed Medi-Cal organizations—says that expanded Medi-Cal payments to care for low-income patients account for more than $1 billion annually to physicians and health organizations in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Gilbert is a panelist at the Town Hall, and there will be time for audience questions during the session.
“This is a terrific opportunity for the public to get a better understanding of the region’s healthcare system, and why it is so important to maintain a strong and stable Medi-Cal program,” said Sarah Hesketh, vice president of external affairs for California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems. Hesketh was a participant on the town hall panel.
Takano, vice ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, said he wants to protect and improve upon the ACA and continue the strides being made in improving healthcare access and population health in Riverside County.
“Access to quality and affordable healthcare is fundamental to the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of families in our community and in communities across the country,” Takano said. “We must build on the progress we’ve made toward ensuring every person can get the care they need without emptying their life savings or filing for bankruptcy.”