Six Bold Ideas to Strengthen Medi-Cal: Coverage, Financing, and Care Delivery

Six bold proposals to strengthen Medi-Cal coverage, financing, and care delivery—practical policy ideas from the California Health Care Foundation Report.

Medi-Cal serves millions of Californians, and now six bold proposals offer a roadmap to strengthen coverage, financing, and care delivery over the next decade. These ideas, highlighted by the California Health Care Foundation, focus on making Medi-Cal more stable, equitable, and person-centered.

1) Expand and stabilize coverage: Proposals recommend reducing churn through continuous eligibility and simplified enrollment. Stable coverage helps members access preventive care and reduces costly gaps in treatment.

2) Modernize financing: Long-term funding strategies, including smarter state-federal partnerships and targeted investments, can make Medi-Cal more sustainable while protecting services that low-income Californians rely on.

3) Reform payment models: Moving toward value-based payment can reward quality and outcomes rather than volume. Incentivizing primary care, mental health integration, and care coordination will improve results for Medi-Cal members and providers.

4) Integrate whole-person care: Better coordination of physical health, behavioral health, and social services addresses the root causes of poor health. Integrating housing supports, nutrition, and substance use treatment into Medi-Cal can reduce emergency visits and hospitalizations.

5) Strengthen long-term services and supports: Expanding home- and community-based services and investing in caregiver supports lets more Californians remain healthy and independent in their communities. These proposals prioritize choice and dignity for older adults and people with disabilities.

6) Invest in workforce, data, and technology: Building a diverse health workforce, expanding telehealth, and improving data sharing are essential. Better analytics and measurement will help target resources and raise the quality of care across Medi-Cal.

Together, these six proposals emphasize equity, sustainability, and innovation. They reflect a vision for a Medi-Cal that not only covers people but also supports healthier lives through smarter financing and coordinated care delivery.

Policymakers, providers, and advocates can use these ideas as starting points for reform conversations. For Californians relying on Medi-Cal, thoughtful changes now can deliver stronger access, better outcomes, and a more resilient health system in the decade ahead.

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