Most California kids rely on Medi-Cal for vital preventive care, but many are missing necessary health screenings because of trouble accessing its services.
Maria Mercado’s 5- and 7-year-old daughters haven’t been to the doctor for a check-up in two years. And it’s not for lack of trying. Mercado, a factory worker in South Los Angeles, has called the pediatrician’s office over and over hoping to book an appointment for a well-child visit, only to be told there are no appointments available and to call back in a month. Sometimes, she waits on hold for an hour.
Eighteen out of 25 plans were fined $25,000-$890,000 for poor performance, including for children's health. Parents and advocates say getting care for children remains a daily challenge. About 11 million Californians live in a primary care shortage area, where a pediatrician can be difficult to find. “It’s most of the state, not just the Central Valley,” said Kathryn E. Phillips, an associate director at the California Health Care Foundation.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Los Angeles, California job with University of California, Los AngelesThe Division of Cardiology in the Department of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA invites applications for a position at the level of Postdoctoral Scholar/Fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Marmar Vaseghi.
Read more »
Gaza doctors: ‘We leave patients to scream for hours and hours’Doctors in Gaza say the healthcare system is broken and they are operating on people without anaesthetic.
Read more »
Waiting and sweltering: Why are California’s indoor heat protections for workers five years late?California is finally set to approve a workplace safety rule to protect employees from excessive heat indoors. Why is it five years late?
Read more »
Why does California elect local judges?Of all the races on the California election ballot, the least information is often available on local judges. Why are they elected?
Read more »
Why your restaurant bill could soon look different in CaliforniaService fees and other surcharges won't appear like they do now, but that doesn't mean your meal will be cheaper.
Read more »
Why California legislators of both parties want to ban homeless encampmentsA bipartisan group of 19 state lawmakers is backing a bill to prohibit homeless encampments near schools, parks and other areas.
Read more »