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September 10, 2007
Los Angeles -The majority of those who rely on California's health care safety net system are insured, contrary to the popular belief that the safety net serves mainly the uninsured. According to a new fact sheet from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, California's safety net hospitals and clinics are the main source of care to 5.7 million people who have health insurance as well as another 1.9 million Californians who were uninsured for all or part of the year in 2005.
"These findings show that while public hospitals and community clinics are certainly a reliable source of care for the uninsured, people with all types of insurance, both public and private, use the safety net clinics and hospitals for their regular care" said author Ninez Ponce, PhD, Senior Research Scientist at the Center and Associate Professor at the UCLA School of Public Health. "Strengthening our safety net will help insured and uninsured Californians alike."
The development of the fact sheet was funded by grants from The California Wellness Foundation and The California Endowment.
"Community-based clinics and hospitals are critically important sources of care for many Californians," said Gary L. Yates, president and CEO of The California Wellness Foundation. "Whatever happens with health reform, these safety net clinics will continue to play a vital role in ensuring that all who need care can access it in their communities."
"Not only is it critical that we shore up California's safety-net system of public hospitals and community clinics, but we must also expand it to meet increasing demand," said Robert K. Ross, M.D., president and CEO of The California Endowment. "We are heading toward 7 million uninsured Californians; this study shows that the strength of these institutions is vital to maintaining and expanding access for hundreds of thousands of Californians."
Since it was first conducted in 2001, the California Health Interview Survey has been an essential tool for policy makers, researchers and health advocates at every level needing a detailed snapshot of the complex health needs of California's diverse population. The survey is a collaborative project of the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, in collaboration with the California Department of Public Health, the Department of Health Care Services and the Public Health Institute. It is funded by public agencies and private organizations.
The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research was established in 1994 and is one of the nation's leading health policy research centers. It is also the premier source of key health policy information for California. Directed by E. Richard Brown, the center is based in the UCLA School of Public Health and is also affiliated with the UCLA School of Public Affairs.
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