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Jump to All Downloads & LinksKey Takeaways
- Statewide high reliance on Medi-Cal and Covered California. Over 40% of Californians depend on Medi-Cal or Covered California subsidies for health coverage. Specifically, 38% (14.9 million people) are enrolled in Medi-Cal, while 4% (1.6 million) receive premium subsidies through Covered California.
- Enrollment variations across California’s congressional districts. District 22 in the Central Valley has the highest enrollment in health coverage programs, with roughly 70% of residents participating — 67% in Medi-Cal and 2% receiving Covered California subsidies. Additionally, 13 districts statewide show enrollment rates of 50% or higher.
- Essential role of Medi-Cal and Covered California in statewide health coverage. The data underscore the vital importance of these programs in providing health care access, particularly for Californians with low and moderate incomes.
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program, which provides health insurance to individuals and families with low income, people with disabilities, and low-wage workers who can’t get affordable coverage at their jobs. For seniors with low income, Medi-Cal pays for what is not covered by Medicare, including nursing home care.
Covered California is the state’s health insurance exchange established under the Affordable Care Act. People who don’t qualify for public programs (like Medi-Cal) and can’t get affordable coverage through their jobs can purchase private insurance through Covered California. Federal subsidies are available to most purchasers to help make their coverage more affordable.
Enrollment in both Medi-Cal and subsidized coverage through Covered California is displayed below by congressional district in both map and table format. The table is available for download below as a PDF or an Excel file.
Authors & Contributors
Katherine Wilson
Katherine Wilson is an independent consultant specializing in health insurance markets and health care costs. She is the author of numerous publications and reports, including CHCF’s series of reports on California health insurers.
