L.A. Care Health Plan remains steadfast in its commitment to championing the protection of Medicaid so that children, working families, seniors, and vulnerable populations can continue having access to essential health services. As the nation’s largest publicly operated health plan, L.A. Care is deeply concerned about the proposed federal Medicaid cuts currently being discussed in Congress.
Medicaid is far more than simply health coverage; it is a cornerstone of the American safety-net, providing vital health coverage and essential safety net services to 78.5 million Americans – including 15 million Californians. In Los Angeles County alone, nearly 1 out of every 2 residents are covered by Medi-Cal. And L.A. Care serves more than 2.3 million of these individuals.
In December 2024, L.A. Care’s Board of Governors unanimously approved a resolution to support healthcare for all, regardless of immigration status. The Board resolution states that L.A. Care will strongly advocate for continued access to health coverage and benefits for all eligible children and adults. L.A. Care will continue to provide access to health care to all eligible members in accordance with the requirements of our contract with the Department of Health Care Services.
Last week, when the House Energy and Commerce Committee proposed mark-ups to their reconciliation bill, which included an estimated $715 billion in cuts to Medicaid and other health programs over a 10-year period, Martha Santana-Chin, L.A. Care’s CEO, sent a letter to Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and to Congressman Frank Pallone, Ranking Member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. In the letter, Martha urged them to recognize that Medicaid is “…a strategic investment in America's human capital and infrastructure. The program's demonstrated record of efficiency, support among American voters, combined with its measurable impacts on our healthcare system and economy, makes a compelling case for its protection.”
Earlier this month, L.A. Care signed a statement, along with organizations spanning philanthropy, health care, business, labor, education and community organizers, highlighting a shared commitment to improving the lives of all Californians and sustaining a strong economy. L.A. Care and other California health care leaders also sent a message to Speaker Mike Johnson, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Chair Brett Guthrie, and Ranking Member Frank Pallone in response to the Freedom Caucus letter to House Colleagues dated May 1, 2025. They underscored their disagreement with the letter’s content as it “…urges devastating cuts to the Medicaid program that would hurt every American, threaten the viability of our nation’s health care system, and drive-up costs for all.”
This isn't about politics – it's about people's lives. L.A. Care remains committed to our members and will continue to advocate for the services and coverage they need and deserve.
Follow us on social media and visit our website at lacare.org/MedicaidMatters to learn more about our efforts.