Primary Care’s Essential Role in Advancing Health Equity for California

Primary care is the most fair and accessible way for all people — regardless of race, ethnicity, or income — to access the health care system and obtain services they need. Having a relationship with a trusted primary care provider helps people make informed health care decisions and prevents them from getting ignored or lost in California’s complex health care system. This makes primary care access a universal need.

Despite its critical role, primary care often is overlooked in health equity policy discussions.

This report highlights the significant impact of primary care on advancing health equity in California. Key takeaways in the report include:

1. Why primary care is uniquely positioned to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities. Primary care provides continuous, coordinated, and comprehensive approach to health care for patients, which is essential for managing chronic diseases, improving immunization rates, and ensuring early detection of health conditions.
2. What evidence shows on the connections between health equity and primary care supply and access. California, like the rest of the U.S., suffers from a shortage of primary care physicians, especially in rural and low-income urban areas. This shortage leads to greater access challenges, fragmented care, and higher health care costs. Additionally, low reimbursement rates for Medi-Cal further restrict access for low-income populations, disproportionately affecting communities of color.
3. How primary care can be strengthened in California with an emphasis on health equity. Recommendations include involving people with lived experiences of discrimination in policymaking, expanding workforce diversity and representation through pipeline programs, and integrating behavioral health with primary care.

By centering equity in primary care, California policy, health, and education leaders can ensure that all residents benefit from high-quality, accessible health care, ultimately reducing health disparities and promoting healthier communities.