Health Equity and Inclusion

Health Care Delivery System Reforms and Coverage Expansions Are Valuable Tools for Reducing Disparities

Health Access supports a multi-pronged effort to reduce disparities, including improved access to linguistically and culturally competent care, an interdisciplinary approach to the social determinants of health, and a stronger, more inclusive social contract.

While Health Access works for coverage for all, we recognize that California’s diverse communities have distinct needs and issues. For example, many disadvantaged communities–Black and brown communities, low-income families, and LGBT Californians–have worse outcomes and life expectancy than the rest of the population. Of the many factors that account for health disparities, the ones that are most amenable to change are those related to health and health care, specifically the way health care is delivered and experienced across cultural barriers. Ensuring all Californians have equal access to quality care is a key goal of health system transformation.

With our coalition partners, Heatlh Access will continue to address the needs of California’s diverse communities, through language access, health equity, immigrant rights, LGBTQ inclusion, protections for seniors and people with disabilities, women’s health, rural access, care for the undocumented, and addressing the social determinants of health. The ACA’s coverage and affordability measures and Medi-Cal reforms are valuable tools for health equity. We will also continue to push to make Covered California’s marketing and outreach initiatives more inclusive and focused on communities of color and other groups that are disproportionately uninsured.

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Health Access Analysis & Advocacy

Partner Organizations & Resources