Tough Future For State’s Undocumented

Undocumented immigrants who reside in California have a tough road ahead in terms of access to healthcare, according to a new study by UCLA researchers.

Fifty-seven percent of California’s undocumented residents lack health insurance -- nearly triple the statewide average -- and have virtually no options for obtaining coverage under the Affordable Care Act, according to the report by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research.

While undocumented residents smoke less and are less likely to suffer from asthma and high blood pressure than U.S.-born residents, their rates of obesity are higher, suggesting they will struggle with diabetes and other chronic conditions as they age.

Meanwhile, 34.7% of undocumented residents have no regular source of medical care, compared to just over 15% of U.S.-born and naturalized citizens. And more than 28% of undocumenteds have not seen a physician in the past year, nearly double the rate of U.S.-born and naturalized residents. 

Although the uninsured rates for undocumented workers in California is much lower than in other states, it is expected to rise to 58.5% by 2016.

Medi-Cal does cover some emergency and prenatal services for undocumented residents, but they are barred for applying for Medi-Cal, and they will not qualify for subsidized health insurance.

The report suggested state and federal governments increase funding to providers of low-cost care that undocumented residents often patronize. It also recommended insurers offer policies that pay for primary care in the U.S., but covers higher-cost services in the policyholder's home country.