California has long been known as a beacon for progressive politics, but for many communities of color and Indigenous people, this idealistic vision of California has never been the reality. Our report launching RACE COUNTS makes the case for racial equity and lays out a path to achieve that vision for all Californians.
Despite the significant gains in terms of health coverage, access, and utilization made since implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), racial health disparity remains omnipresent in California. While a radical force for change in many respects, the ACA’s reforms were largely built atop our pre-existing health care system, inheriting its disparities. Because health disparity drivers abound in and outside our health care system – undermining our state’s well-being – agents advancing health equity become even more vital.