More than 12 million people in California are signed up for Medi-Cal. And a recent report from the state’s Legislative Analyst’s Office shows rapid growth in some population groups.
The LAO report on California’s fiscal outlook finds more than 3 million people have signed up for Medi-Cal since the state expanded it under the Affordable Care Act. But the LAO’s Felix Su says there’s a more unexpected rise in the number of families and children who’ve signed up for benefits. Still, he says they cost the state relatively little.
"The families and kids tend to be healthier and therefore less expensive on average," he says. "Whereas our smaller segments, the seniors and people with disabilities, they grow at a more steady rate. But their per person costs tend to be significantly higher."
Su says counties may be having a difficult time removing families and children from the Medi-Cal rolls when they are no longer eligible for benefits.
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