Like more than half of children in California, Mercado’s daughters have Medi-Cal, the state’s health insurance program for low-income residents. In 2019, a California State Auditor report found that less than half of children with Medi-Cal received their recommended preventive care. This includes beginning to levy higher fines against Medi-Cal plans that do not provide recommended well-child visits, vaccinations and lead screenings to enough children. Only one plan met all of the minimum standards on children's health: Community Health Group Partnership Plan in San Diego. “It’s most of the state, not just the Central Valley,” said Kathryn E. Phillips, an associate director at the California Health Care Foundation.

Source: Los Angeles Times February 26, 2024 11:10 UTC