Affordability and Eligibility Barriers Remain for California’s Uninsured
Press Coverage
- Uncovered California: Why Millions Have Fallen Into Health Care Gaps
June 28, 2016 - Huffington Post
- Many Californians Say Health Insurance Cost Too High
March 31, 2016 - New America Media
UC BERKELEY CENTER FOR LABOR RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
UCLA CENTER FOR HEALTH POLICY RESEARCH
Summary
During the first year of expanded health insurance coverage options under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) millions of Californians gained coverage, but many remained uninsured. Using data from the 2014 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), this brief examines the characteristics of the uninsured and the reasons for remaining uninsured among the undocumented who are ineligible for coverage under the ACA due to their immigration status, and the citizens and lawfully present immigrants who are eligible for coverage but did not enroll. The findings show that major barriers to coverage included costs and ineligibility due to documentation status. Increasing awareness of availability of financial assistance, implementing policies to expand affordability, and extending coverage options for the undocumented could help close these remaining gaps in coverage.