California is projected to be home to over two million undocumented immigrants. Coupled with the state’s support for liberal and progressive policies; it seems logical that California will be the first state to guarantee health coverage for immigrants. According to The Associated Press, the landmark bill lays out a $308 billion budget to ensure all low-income adults living in California will have access to Medicaid by 2024. California’s Governor Gavin Nusanm signed the bill in June and hopes to additionally secure coverage for every lower-income adult residing in California.
And while many consider Medicaid expansion for undocumented immigrants a historical move, the decision has also sparked a backlash by voters. In either case, the debate on whether free healthcare should be available to all eligible US citizens remains controversial. With that said, below are a few key conversations going on around the country about improving social care and creating a better health infrastructure for the American population.
What is Social Care?
Social care in the United States is multifaceted. Still, it may include social programs and services that support overall health for children, and the elderly, as well as meet basic health needs for the general population. Subsequently, social care is an extremely broad term that can incorporate state and federal initiatives such as health coverage, food, housing, and education assistance. Furthermore, health insurance coverage for low-income and aging populations falls under social care initiatives' umbrella.
Currently, in the US, both federal and joint federal-state programs provide basic health care for the elderly and low-income families. These programs include Medicaid, Medicare, and The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). While these social health care programs are accessible to many, they are also widely criticized. Due to their lack of inclusion, including strict guidelines to become eligible for health care, Medicaid and Medicare are notorious for having limited options for long-term care and varying levels of quality care. As a result, many Americans choose costly private health insurance, leaving the majority of the US population struggling to find affordable healthcare.
Is Healthcare Accessible to All People?
The US is one of the most developed countries in the world, yet there is no universal health coverage for its population. One study shows that the US ranks last in health care system quality compared to 11 high-income countries. The report also suggests that the US budgets less for social care issues such as education, sick leave, and unemployment insurance. Consequently, the US scores poorly regarding negative health care outcomes such as maternal and infant mortality and general life expectancy. Value-based care, therefore, is being summoned as a possible solution for a country without universal healthcare. Value-based care involves paying providers, including healthcare facilities, based solely on favorable patient health outcomes. This type of care model could potentially reduce healthcare spending for patients, increase higher patient satisfaction, and improve overall health outcomes across the country.
How Do Immigrants Access Healthcare?
So far, California is the only state in the US to expand free health care to immigrants. And while some argue that access to healthcare is a fundamental right, there has been plenty of pushback by both moderates and republicans. Some conservatives believe that by offering free healthcare to undocumented immigrants, the US will only encourage more illegal crossings over the border. And while many community centers across the US offer healthcare services to illegal immigrants, the approval of California’s $308 billion operating budget ensures health coverage for all immigrants —- regardless of their legal status.
Many believe health inequity is a significant issue in the United States; moreover, the American population's health is at stake. However, there is still much debate on the best ways to fix present health disparities. Some prominent healthcare leaders, such as Adrienne Sherk, Senior Director of the Community-Based Organization Partnerships department at Unite Us, are trying to close the healthcare gap by “advancing health equity by connecting individuals to the care they need when they need it, regardless of circumstances.” This means using outcome-focused technology to create an efficient care system accessible to all communities.
Health care is the hot topic of our generation. Therefore, making strides forward to improve our nation’s health outcomes is up to us.
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