To the editor:
Community clinics like Venice Family Clinic play a vital role as nonprofit organizations that provide essential healthcare services to those in need. A significant number of these individuals depend on Medi-Cal, California’s version of the federal Medicaid program. Considering the imposition of federal work requirements for Medicaid, and in turn Medi-Cal, poses a risk not only to the health of patients but also increases expenses for everyone. This concern was aptly discussed in the column “GOP targets Medicaid with the return of a terrible idea,” published on November 20.
We’ve seen time and again that when the process to qualify for health insurance becomes too complex, many eligible individuals face the risk of losing their Medi-Cal benefits. This situation can severely disrupt the management and treatment of chronic or acute health conditions.
The consequence? These patients often experience worsened health outcomes, which necessitate more expensive treatments and hospital stays. Some might even opt out of Medi-Cal altogether, resorting to emergency rooms for their basic healthcare needs. This not only diminishes emergency room accessibility but also ramps up overall healthcare costs.
It’s worth noting that around one-third of Californians are covered by Medi-Cal. Introducing work requirements would have a widespread impact, affecting not just those who rely on Medi-Cal but all of us in one way or another.
Mitesh Popat, M.D., Venice
Dr. Popat is the Chief Executive of the Venice Family Clinic.
