Healthcare costs identified as one of the major causes of homelessness
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined the Mayor's Fund for Los Angeles and healthcare leaders in urging all Angelenos – regardless of their immigration status – to enroll in Medi-Cal ahead of December 31 to protect their healthcare and housing stability. Beginning January 1, 2026, only Angelenos who meet federal immigration requirements will be eligible to enroll in Medi-Cal.
Without immediate action, thousands of Angelenos could face financial hardship from medical bills, potentially leading to housing instability. Research demonstrates the clear relationship between healthcare and housing — an unexpected medical bill can jeopardize a person's ability to work and pay for housing, placing thousands of individuals and families across L.A. at risk of losing their homes.
“Healthcare costs are one of the major causes of people falling into homelessness. Preventing homelessness is key to our efforts in addressing this humanitarian crisis,” said Mayor Bass. “I’m urging all eligible Angelenos to enroll in Medi-Cal before eligibility requirements change on January 1, to help Angelenos stay healthy and housed.”
"Our caseworkers are available seven days a week to assist with Medi-Cal applications, renewals, and eligibility questions," said Conway Collis, Mayor’s Fund for LA President and CEO. "This critical mission could determine housing stability for thousands of our neighbors across Los Angeles. We are trying to make sure no one is left behind during this critical deadline."
“Every member of our community needs and deserves access to timely and comprehensive health care without financial hardship,” said Martha Santana-Chin, CEO of L.A. Care Health Plan. “Medi-Cal makes coverage a reality and allows millions of Californians to afford medications, get essential health services, and offers peace of mind by reducing stress over medical bills. L.A. Care is grateful to the Mayor and the Mayor's Fund for their work and also encourages other community partners to join us in this effort."
“Many of our undocumented patients are essential workers, such as construction workers and caregivers,” said Bukola Olusanya, Regional Medical Director at St. John’s Community Health. “Access to healthcare is vital for them as pillars in our community, knowing that preventive screenings and early detection are cost-effective and can save countless lives of some of these individuals whose families and communities depend on them for essential needs and services.”
In anticipation of this major shift in healthcare access, the Mayor's Fund We Are LA program is mobilizing through community outreach efforts to ensure that anyone who seeks support will have their Medi-Cal applications filed by the critical December 31 deadline. As part of Mayor Bass’ comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness, We Are LA was launched two years ago to connect Angelenos at risk of eviction, to resources and services such as Medi-Cal, food assistance, child care and legal aid to increase housing stability and prevent homelessness. We Are LA caseworkers provide one-on-one personal support, helping individuals and families overcome obstacles like filling out complex applications for services, using unfamiliar technology, language barriers and legal services.
To access enrollment support before the December 31 deadline, Angelenos can apply here or for assistance, call the Mayor's Fund We Are LA Hotline at (213) 584-1808. Caseworkers are available seven days a week.
If you are already enrolled in full scope Medi-Cal, you will stay covered no matter your immigration status as long as you complete your annual renewal.
If you are part of this group and lose your coverage, you won’t be able to sign up again — except for emergency and pregnancy care.
Income-eligible children (0-18) and pregnant people can enroll in full scope Medi-Cal, no matter their immigration status. Coverage is for the entire pregnancy and one year after the pregnancy ends.