Medi-Cal is a flawed system. Unfortunately, the low income qualifications and Federal Poverty Rates are inaccurate for Californians. Pregnant Medi-Cal applicants struggle with receiving adequate care with in a reasonable length of time. The disabled have no prior notification of the facilities that can adequately  meet their needs. Medi-Cal must be evaluated and reformed so that Californians have the quality medical care they deserve. Medi-Cal is neither beneficial nor ideal for those who seek continuous medical care.

The conditions in California such as high housing costs, rising income inequality, and the largest immigrant population in the country (Public Policy Institute of California) calls for a higher Federal rate.  The current Federal rate in California is 138%, equaling to $17,609 per individual or $36,156.00 for a family of four.  In an Article written by Matthew Green, he states that Professor Amy K. Glasmier created a Living Wage Calculator and determined that a single person in California should be earning a wage of $12.30 working full time, equaling to $23,616.00 per year to cover basic living expenses. The Federal poverty rate to qualify for the program is inaccurate.

Pregnant women on Medi-Cal will confront a medical shortage of Obstetrical providers. In an article written by Ian Hill, states that “low provider fees, programmatic complexity, and problems with Medicaid clients have been the principal explanations offered for poor provider participation.” Being approved for Medi-Cal  can relieve Pregnant applicants from medical costs but in turn have a difficult time finding a provider that is willing to accept the State plan and provide Obstetrical quality care.

People with disabilities may not have access to medical facilities that can accommodate to their needs. In an article written by , Gloria L. Krahn, PhD, MPH  Deborah Klein Walker, EdD, and Rosaly Correa-De-Araujo, MD, PhD state that “ People with disabilities do not receive complete medical examinations because equipment such as weight scales, examining tables, and mammography equipment do not accommodate their disability.” People with disabilities are at risk of incomplete medical care.

Medi-Cal must be divided into 3 separate branches. The 3 branches would be divided as followed ; Maternity and New Born care assistance, Low- Income assistance and Disability assistance, all three branches financed through the Department of Health Care Services, but not administered.  All three agencies would have revised rules and regulations managed by their own leadership. Patients could choose different programs, ranging from a free basic government plan up to a reasonable share of cost plan for those applying for Low Income or Maternity & Newborn benefits. Applicants that choose plans with a higher share of cost would have access to providers that ranked high in the Assessment of Health Care provider System . A basic plan would be free for those who cannot afford to pay for a higher step of the program. However, Share of costs plans would have reasonable costs for each step. The step plan would allow a bridge between the very low income and those who cannot afford a Covered California. In addition, Physicians would consider contracting with the State due to an increase in reimbursement. Patients would have access to quality care providers and saved Federal funds can be used to build adequate facilities for the disabled.