Martha Santana-Chin leads L.A. Care, the biggest health plan in California. She understands the struggles of those she serves because she experienced them herself. Growing up as the daughter of Mexican immigrants, she relied on Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, for health coverage. This early experience shapes her commitment to ensuring access to healthcare for low-income families today.
As CEO, Santana-Chin is navigating a challenging landscape. Recent federal cuts under the GOP’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, also known as HR 1, pose significant risks. She estimates that about 650,000 people could lose their Medi-Cal coverage by 2028, severely impacting funding and healthcare delivery. In the last fiscal year, L.A. Care reported $11.7 billion in revenue, but with these cuts looming, maintaining quality service will be tough.
HR 1 could slash over $900 billion from Medicaid over the next decade, which includes around $30 billion in California alone. Due to budget deficits, California has already restricted Medicaid spending. This includes freezing new enrollments for undocumented immigrants and reintroducing asset limits, making it harder for many to access the care they need.
Santana-Chin, who previously managed Medi-Cal and Medicare operations at Health Net, took her role at L.A. Care amid heightened scrutiny. The organization was fined $55 million for safety violations in the past. Her leadership now focuses on improving services and ensuring that members receive timely, respectful care.
In a recent discussion, she stressed the vital role healthcare plays in overcoming poverty. “Without safety nets like Medi-Cal, people are trapped in difficult situations,” she said, highlighting the importance of reliable health services. Her own childhood experiences taught her how essential it is for families to have access to care without added stress.
As funding decreases, L.A. Care plans to enhance efficiency through technology. Santana-Chin believes using smarter systems can help staff solve issues more quickly, which in turn will improve member experiences. Yet, there are real concerns about the future. The rise in uninsured individuals due to cuts could overwhelm the system, straining hospitals and clinics.
Moreover, recent social media reactions highlight growing public dissatisfaction with healthcare policies. Many users express frustration over the feeling that their healthcare depends on political decisions rather than their needs. This sentiment echoes broader discussions about accessibility that have taken hold in communities across the country.
Overall, the outlook is uncertain. The fallout from HR 1 and California’s budget decisions will be felt by millions. As Santana-Chin continues her mission, she remains focused on advocating for equitable access to healthcare for all, regardless of immigration status or socioeconomic background.
For those interested in healthcare policy and its impacts, the Kaiser Family Foundation provides insightful data and resources, including detailed analyses of Medicaid funding and enrollment trends that could help further understand these issues. You can explore more [here](https://www.kff.org/medicaid/medicaid-enrollment-and-unwinding-tracker/).
