The California Health Care Foundation is a statewide, independent nonprofit that works to make sure all Californians can get the health care they need, especially those who rely on Medi-Cal or have no health insurance. Through grantmaking, research, and partnerships with health care leaders across California, we give health care leaders the data and resources to improve California’s health care system and deliver quality care where it matters most.
California is home to the nation’s largest Medicaid program, and one in three Californians lives in or near poverty. That’s why California has both the greatest responsibility and opportunity to get health care right. CHCF produces independent research and data that inform policy decisions. We support programs that strengthen Medi-Cal, expand the health care workforce, and improve how care is delivered to low-income Californians and underserved communities across the state. Our goal is a health care system that works for every Californian.
Right now, CHCF is especially focused on helping California meet four big challenges:
- The New Uninsured
Federal funding cuts and state policy changes are threatening health coverage for millions of Californians who rely on Medi-Cal and other public programs.
- What’s at stake: Without action, many low-income Californians — including children, seniors, and people with disabilities — could lose the coverage they depend on for basic care.
- What CHCF is doing: We are actively working to prevent coverage losses and to ensure that Californians who do lose insurance can still access the essential care they need, regardless of what happens at the federal and state level.
- The Future of Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal is the cornerstone of California’s health care system. Over half of Californians say the program is personally important to them and their families.
- What’s at stake: Over 60 years, Medi-Cal has evolved to meet the changing needs of Californians. It has also become more complex each step of the way. The high cost of that complexity along with major new fiscal pressures makes it essential for California to modernize the program’s financing and administration.
- What CHCF is doing: CHCF is supporting the Future of Medi-Cal Commission to develop a bold, 10-year roadmap for a more effective and sustainable program, with concrete recommendations due in early 2027.
- Health Care Affordability
Health care costs too much for too many Californians. More than half of the state’s residents say they or a family member skipped or delayed care in the past year because of cost. And unexpected medical bills remain one of the top financial fears across the state.
- What’s at stake: When cost stands between Californians and care, health problems go unaddressed, conditions worsen, and the burden falls hardest on those with the least.
- What CHCF is doing: CHCF is working to make health care more affordable for all Californians. We are examining the reasons behind high costs, supporting policies that reduce cost barriers, and giving decision-makers what they need to drive lasting change.
- AI Powered Workforce
California’s health care workforce is under enormous pressure. Clinician burnout, staffing shortages, and paperwork are pulling providers away from what matters most: caring for patients.
- What’s at stake: When providers are stretched too thin, patients wait longer, care suffers, and the burden falls hardest on communities that already face the greatest barriers.
- What CHCF is doing: Our focus is on AI as a tool that supports and extends what health care workers do — not one that replaces them. We’re piloting the use of AI tools that reduce paperwork and help coordinate care, freeing up providers to focus on patients, especially in safety net settings.