Los Angeles Times | "Californians split sharply along partisan lines, poll finds: Cuts to Medicaid"

The Los Angeles Times interviewed UCLA Fielding's Dr. Nadereh Pourat, professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management, about the potential impact of reductions in federal funding for MediCal and Medicaid.

" ... Nadereh Pourat, associate director of the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, said there is historical evidence to show what is going to happen next under the changes — and it’s not good.

The work requirement will undoubtedly result in people losing health coverage, just as thousands did when Arkansas implemented a similar requirement years ago, she said.

When people lose coverage, the cost of preventative care goes up and they generally receive less of it, she said. 'If the doctor’s visit competes with food on the table or rent, then people are going to skip those primary care visits,' she said — and often 'end up in the emergency room' instead.

And that’s more expensive not just for them, but also for local and state healthcare systems, she said."

Read the Los Angeles Times article.