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Fact Sheet

California’s Health Care Safety Net

By Shannon McConville, Shalini Mustala

Millions of low-income Californians rely on Medi-Cal for health care coverage, while other programs cover services for those not eligible or with certain health conditions. County hospitals, primary care clinics, and emergency departments are critical providers but face concerns about financial stability.

blog post

Leveling the Playing Field in College Admissions

By Hans Johnson, Sarah Bohn, Marisol Cuellar Mejia

Although students from low-income families are less likely to enroll in college than students from high-income families, California is faring better than the rest of the US in broadening access to higher education.

Fact Sheet

The CalFresh Food Assistance Program

By Caroline Danielson, Daniel Tan

Participation in CalFresh—which helps millions of low-income Californians buy groceries—has risen amid the coronavirus pandemic. This fact sheet provides a snapshot of the program, including its impact on poverty and recent changes to expand access.

blog post

Video: Health Conditions and Health Care among California’s Undocumented Immigrants

By Stephanie Barton

As the state prepares to expand Medi-Cal to all low-income Californians regardless of immigration status, a new PPIC report looks at how undocumented patients use community clinic services. Researcher Shalini Mustala discusses this report’s key findings, and researcher Paulette Cha moderates a panel discussion on lessons learned from recent Medi-Cal expansions.

Explainer

Making Sense of California’s Economy

By Sarah Bohn, Marisol Cuellar Mejia, Julien Lafortune, Vicki Hsieh

We take a look at where California's economy has been, where it might be headed, and how we can better insulate Californians against future upheavals.

Report

Health Conditions and Health Care among California’s Undocumented Immigrants

By Paulette Cha, John Heintzman, Patricia Malagon

In January 2024, Medi-Cal will expand to all low-income Californians, regardless of age or immigration status. Understanding chronic conditions among undocumented patients and the health services they tend to use can help the state prepare to meet the needs of new applicants.

Policy Brief

Policy Brief: Understanding the Reach of the California Earned Income Tax Credit

By Tess Thorman, Mary Severance

The CalEITC, introduced in the 2015 tax year, was originally designed to complement the federal EITC; it remains most generous to Californians with incomes too low to receive the maximum EITC. A better understanding of the factors associated with credit claiming can help the state increase participation.

Report

Learning from CalFresh Pandemic Boosts

By Tess Thorman, Patricia Malagon, Caroline Danielson

Emergency allotments increased CalFresh benefits during the pandemic, although the lowest-income households did not see an initial boost. Examining how this pandemic aid affected household resources, work decisions, and participant retention can offer insights into crafting a CalFresh response for the next economic downturn—and improving the program in the near term.

Fact Sheet

Public Preschools in California

By Caroline Danielson, Tess Thorman

Most parents of young children work, but public preschool programs are fragmented and currently unable to serve all who are eligible. Improvements will require a multipronged approach.

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Poverty & Inequality

More than a quarter of Californians live in or near poverty, and the longstanding divide between rich and poor poses a major challenge for our state and nation. PPIC builds understanding of what economic disparities mean for households and communities, while highlighting policies that can broaden opportunity and increase well-being.

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