Why MEDI-CAL
Managed
Care Matters

Medi-Cal managed care is a lifeline — providing critical health services to nearly 14 million Californians, including children, seniors, people with disabilities, and those struggling to make ends meet. It helps people stay healthy, get timely care, and avoid costly medical crises.

And Californians know this. Recent polling shows that more than 90% of people across the state support Medi-Cal — recognizing its importance to families, communities, and the health care system overall.

The Human Impact

Medi-Cal Managed Care’s Community Supports and Enhanced Care Management Services are Making a Difference
  • More than 326,000 Medi-Cal members across California have received Enhanced Care Management (ECM) since its launch in 2022
  • By the end of 2024, 368,400 Medi-Cal members to date have received community support services implemented by health plans
  • Community Supports can be cost-effective: The DHCS June 2025 cost-effectiveness report shows that Community Supports can help reduce overall health care costs by preventing avoidable hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and long-term institutional care, while providing whole person care and improving health outcomes.

Protecting the Health of California’s Rural Communities

Medi-Cal Managed Care is a lifeline for millions across the state — especially in rural communities where access to care is often limited. California’s Medi-Cal Managed Care plans are working to ensure that these communities continue to receive the care they need to thrive.

Strengthening Maternity Care

Every mother and child deserve a healthy pregnancy and birth experience. We’re expanding access to prenatal and postpartum care, advancing equity, and supporting innovative services like doulas to improve outcomes for mothers and babies.

Strengthening Maternity Care

Protecting Children’s Health

From pediatric check-ups and developmental screenings to parent-child behavioral health support, Medi-Cal Plans help working families give their kids a healthy start in life. Managed Care Plans are committed to keeping these essential services strong.

Preserving Behavioral Health Services

Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans integrate mental health and substance abuse treatment, while investing in workforce development to ensure more Californians have access to critical behavioral health services.

The Economic Impact

Investing in Medi-Cal Is Investing in California’s Communities
Economic impact 1
According to the EDD, over seven percent of California’s workforce is employed in the health care industry. Many of these jobs are directly supported by the billions of dollars invested in Medi-Cal each year. Jobs include staffing and running health care clinics, hospitals, community organizations and other healthcare facilities who employ thousands of workers.
Clinic
In many rural and underserved areas, Medi-Cal funding keeps clinics and hospitals open — protecting both access to care and the local economy.
Fund spending
According to the California Health Care Foundation, Medi-Cal accounted for nearly 15% of the state’s general fund spending in FY 2021/2022, supporting millions of well-paying jobs and making it essential to the state’s economic health.
Health and Productivity
Expanding Medi-Cal coverage in California has improved health outcomes, boosted productivity, and reduced dependence on costly emergency care.
Partnership
Managed Care Plans support local economies by contracting with providers, vendors, and community organizations across the state, helping generate tax revenue and keeping small businesses afloat.