Telehealth Usage among Low-income and Undocumented Californians

Statewide telehealth use jumped dramatically among low-income Californians covered by Medi-Cal in March 2020, when telehealth visits began to be reimbursed at the same rates as in-person visits. We find comparable trends in California’s community health centers (CHCs)—primary care clinics that serve all comers—for Medi-Cal and undocumented patients. However, telehealth can still pose challenges for those who are uncomfortable with technology or lack English proficiency. And California’s persistent digital divide in access to broadband connection and devices can also be a barrier to using telehealth. California plans to continue many policies established during the public health emergency that broadened the availability of Medi-Cal-covered benefits and services through telehealth. And telehealth will continue to be an important resource for undocumented patients after Medi-Cal is expanded to all residents, regardless of age or immigration status, in January 2024. However, challenges lie ahead, particularly in addressing language barriers common among immigrants and enhancing technological literacy.