California’s Safety Net at a Crossroads: Marko Mijic Featured in CA Health Care Foundation Editorial

In his latest article with The California Health Care Foundation, Sellers Dorsey Managing Director and former Undersecretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, Marko Mijic, provides perspective on the state’s major healthcare reforms and offers unique insights on how they fit into California’s broader strategy.

California has a transformative vision for how to build a Healthy California for All that goes beyond expanding access to health insurance coverage and health care. Under the leadership of Governor Gavin Newsom, the state aims to achieve better health outcomes for communities that have been left behind by building a more resilient safety net system and a more robust state economy. A healthier population leads to increased productivity and economic participation, especially for Medi-Cal enrollees, who typically hold lower-wage jobs.  

This vision aims to close the gaps that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed so starkly. A strong and well-designed safety net drives economic stability, strengthens communities, and supports population health. This promotes shared prosperity and enhances overall economic well-being. 

Over the past six years, California has made tremendous strides by increasing enrollment in Medi-Cal and Covered California health plans and integrating health and social services geared to the needs of the whole person and family. This work recognizes that access to health insurance and health care is necessary, but not sufficient, to guarantee better health outcomes. We cannot afford to stop there.

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