The search for immigrant seniors eligible for Medi-Cal

The Basic Health Care Provision Fund establishes government health facilities that allow people to access care for free. WHen the fund started in 2021, it had 16,000 enrollees and as of October 2022 there were 38,600 enrollees in the state.

Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides care to elders including adult day care, home health care and supplies like bed rails, eyeglasses and access to medications, while simultaneously providing respite to family caregivers. Studies show PACE program participants have lower rates of hospital use and shorter lengths of stay compared to those participating in other programs or opting for general nursing home care. The PACE centers in Metro Detroit serve 1,600 adults across its seven centers. Statewide, there are 14 active PACE programs across 24 centers.

Several government programs and funding measures are emerging to improve home care options for families in need, such as increasing wages and benefit opportunities for providers. There are also nonprofits like All Things Home Care that provide transportation to area home care workers and represents its workers with a union to afford them better treatment to ensure those in need can still receive necessary care at home.

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) centers provide government-funded medical care and social services to those aged 55 and above who qualify for nursing home care but can still live independently with some assistance. There are currently more than 160 PACE centers in 32 states. PACE centers are also gaining momentum as a nursing home alternative, as several states have begun passing legislation and making policy changes to allow Medicaid to cover PACE care.

LGBTQ+ organizations in the South, like The Campaign for Southern Equality, are raising money to give to families seeking gender-affirming care services for transgender youth. The money is used to cover travel costs to states without care bans, as well as gender-affirming clothing and other supplies. So far, the group has distributed about 350 $500 grants. In addition to funding, the group also works to ensure families have accurate information about gender-affirming care bans in their state, as the legal landscape is confusing and constantly changing.

Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies pairs registered nurse case managers with women experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, specifically targeting those in rural communities where access to care is limited. The program provides health education, emotional support and targeted care from nutritionists and social workers at no direct cost. Since launching, the program has provided services to about 640 patients around the state.

Care Ring, in collaboration with other organizations like the University of North Carolina School of Nursing, launched The Bridge, a community-based healthcare initiative that aims to make preventive care easier to access. The Bridge features a mobile care unit that provides free health screenings, counseling support and connections to community resources. Since December 2022, The Bridge has provided care to more than 100 people, 39% of which didn’t have a regular doctor.

The Health and Social Development Foundation (HESED) aims to increase access to healthcare, specifically among pregnant women and children. HESED works to bring doctors closer to communities that struggle to get care and has also created designated spaces for important care that was previously inaccessible, like OBGYN checkups. Over the last three years, more than 400 people have received checkups from the center, regardless of their insurance status.

The Restore Foundation for Child Sight provides free eye care, including eye exams, medications, glasses and surgeries to children in underserved communities. The Foundation hosts outreach events to connect with children in need of care and has helped over 5,000 children so far, distributing 455 pairs of glasses, 1,200 eye drops and about 35 free eye surgeries.

The Damilola Sickle Cell Foundation provides emotional support and resources to people with sickle cell anemia. The group connects with those in need via WhatsApp and provides monetary support, connections to medical attention and treatment, and support from those who understand what it’s like to have the disease. The group has about 200 people that it checks on and provides free medications to each month.