California gives new moms extra Medi-Cal benefits, but it can’t say who’s using them

Medi-Cal is the state’s public health insurance program for extremely low-income residents. It pays for roughly 40 percent of all births in California. Parents and pregnant patients on Medi-Cal die from complications at a rate 3.7 times higher than those with private insurance, according to state data. Babies with Medi-Cal are the most likely to be born with a low birth weight, a predictor for other health complications later in life.

In a joint statement to CalMatters, health care services Director Michelle Baass and state Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás Aragón said the agencies would work together to address the audit findings. They plan to conduct regular reviews of Medi-Cal providers that include audits and enforcement actions. They also plan to update informational material outlining pregnancy benefits.