Medicaid Cuts Could Upend Lives of Children With Disabilities. Can California Do More to Prepare?

Medicaid — which provides health coverage for almost 15 million Californians and about half of the state’s children — could face billions of dollars in federal cuts under a budget proposal from House Republicans.

That’s alarmed families like the Pequeños, who rely on Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, to pay for medical care and other support for their children with chronic conditions.

Analysis: How to Stand Up for Kids With Disabilities Despite Federal Changes

My son is able to live at home with our family, attend school and interact with the world because we live in a nation where disabled people have civil rights.

When I hear President Trump talk about eliminating diversity, equality, inclusion and accessibility, he’s not just attacking civil rights for disabled people — he’s sending a message to kids like my son that they don’t belong.

A Violence-Prevention Helpline for Those Who Want to Change Gains Ground in California

As a child of undocumented immigrants from Guatemala, Jacquie Marroquin worried that speaking to anyone in authority about her father’s abuse would put her family in danger of being separated, or get her parents deported.

Now she is trying to help other families like hers. Recently, she became the first California-based responder working for a free, confidential helpline for people considering harming a loved one.

Opinion: Medi-Cal Rate Changes Threaten Mental Health Access

The number of Californians with untreated mental health conditions is increasing.

At its root, the lack of access and insufficient treatment for mental health conditions is driven by declining insurance coverage and low reimbursement rates to providers, according to the author, who urges policymakers to listen to monitor rates to ensure that more Californians can access the care they need.

Analysis: The Power of Storytelling and Why it Matters Now More Than Ever

Health care and disability rights advocates are gearing up to make sure politicians understand that there is no way to cut Medicaid without hurting people who need care. Sharing real people’s stories will be key to that effort.

California Health Report’s disability rights columnist Jennifer McLelland offers her tips on how to tell your family’s story.

How Restorative Justice Helped One Family Move Forward

For one dedicated couple, embracing restorative justice was the first step toward healing their family.

The Contra Costa County Family Justice Center’s CHAT Project has been a beacon of hope, one that has given them the tools they each needed to co-parent effectively while mending their own relationship. By focusing on accountability and communication, the couple have been able to create a safe, stable home for their son.

Our Sponsors

X Close

Subscribe to Our Mailing Lists

* indicates required
Email Lists