Medi-Cal

A child, wearing a pink Strawberry shortcake shirt, sits on a chair with their eyes positioned in front of a metal Phoropter during an eye exam.

Health

California kids are going without vision care, and the problem is getting worse

Nearly every California county saw a drop in children's eye exams over the past decade, a new report finds.

By

Kristen Hwang

• April 2, 2026

A person dressed in medical scrubs places a stethoscope on a patient's back during a blood pressure and blood sugar test. The patient wears a beige fedora and sits near a medical bed inside a clinic.

Commentary

Medi-Cal faces funding emergency from state miscalculations, federal budget cuts

Gov. Gavin Newsom is retracting Medi-Cal for immigrants, years after he wrongly figured a state surplus. And President Trump is cutting health funds to states.

By

Dan Walters

• March 24, 2026

Dr. Mathew Beare examines a patient's foot at a meeting area near the Kern River on March 16, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Health

Trump’s Medicaid work mandate could kick thousands of homeless Californians off coverage

A majority of California’s roughly 180,000 people experiencing homelessness have health insurance through Medi-Cal. Providers predict that many will lose insurance under President Donald Trump’s upcoming work mandates even if they qualify for exemptions.

By

Kristen Hwang

• March 5, 2026

A speaker stands at a podium labeled “CADEM California Democratic Party,” addressing an audience while gesturing with their hands. The stage is framed by dark curtains and lit with blue overhead lighting, and U.S. and California flags positioned on either side.

Politics

For California Democrats, single-payer health care is back. Voters have heard it before

The progressive goal of single-payer health care has become a staple of Democratic platforms, even if it faces as many hurdles as ever.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• March 4, 2026

A person wearing a face mask and medical scrubs stands next to a sign with an eye exam on it in the hallway of a medical facility. In the foreground, a young person in overalls faces the eye exam with a hand over their right eye.

Commentary

The problem is clear: Medi-Cal is failing to protect children’s eyesight

Poor children are struggling at school because of undetected and uncorrected vision problems. Medi-Cal has been neglecting vision care.

By Dr. Brian Park and Ted Lempert • February 20, 2026

Representative David Valadao speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, D.C., on March 17, 2021. Photo by Graeme Sloan, Sipa USA via Reuters

Politics

California Rep. David Valadao voted for Medi-Cal cuts. Will voters hold it against him?

In the seven times he’s run for Congress, Valadao has lost his seat only once – in 2018, during Donald Trump’s first midterm election. Democrats hope to oust him again by leveraging his politically toxic vote for the GOP megabill that will cut funding to Medi-Cal, which provides health coverage for nearly two-thirds of his constituents.

By

Maya C. Miller

• February 2, 2026

A newborn’s small hand gently curls around an adult’s finger, with a soft hospital blanket and the infant’s arm blurred in the background.

Commentary

California neglects its private duty nurses and fails its sick children

Hundreds of California children are stuck in hospitals because their families wait months or years for private nursing care they’re legally entitled to.

By Jarrod DePriest • January 30, 2026

A person kneels to retrieve an item from a miniature refrigerator in the corridor of a mobile clinic trailer. The corridor features a counter and a sink, with an assortment of medical equipment and posters on the wall providing medical information.

Health

Coalition seeks LA County sales tax vote to offset federal healthcare funding cuts

A newly formed coalition wants to bring a half-cent sales tax before Angeleno voters in June to mitigate Medi-Cal losses

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• January 30, 2026

Homelessness

Can AI help make homeless Californians healthier?

A California company is using AI to help diagnose homeless Californians. The technology promises better access to health care, but it also raises questions.

By

Marisa Kendall

• January 27, 2026

A sign taped to a glass window reads, “Put our health over billionaires,” with people seated at a table visible out of focus through the glass behind it.

Commentary

California families face life-or-death health care cuts. Billionaires can afford to pitch in

California’s health system faces a $30 million gutting. Unions and advocates want a wealth tax targeting billionaires to make up the loss.

By Josephine Rios • January 17, 2026