Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, provides free or low-cost health care coverage to more than 14 million low-income adults, families with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, children in foster care, and former foster youth up to age 26. Through policy advocacy and litigation, the National Health Law Program protects and advances access to Medi-Cal coverage and services, and the rights of individuals eligible for the program.
In 2011, the National Health Law Program represented “Katie A” in California, after she experienced 37 different moves or placements in foster care, including 19 psychiatric hospitalizations before she turned 14. California is now required to provide Medicaid eligible children with mental health services.
