Center in the News

A new UCLA Center for Health Policy Research report shows an increased risk of poor mental health among California adults impacted by economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In order to reduce the additional risk of psychological distress and severe impairment related to COVID-related economic hardships, policymakers need to give all Californians access to the financial and social resources that will help bridge the gap in economic insecurity,” said Imelda Padilla-Frausto, a scientist at the research center. “Recovery from the pandemic begins with addressing many longstanding inequities across the state.”

The state’s rate of uninsured residents dropped from 17% in 2013 to 7% in 2021. More than half of the 3 million still uninsured in California are eligible for some sort of coverage, according to UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and UC Berkeley Labor Center. The remainder, about 1.2 million, are undocumented immigrants who are ineligible for coverage through the exchange, although some may now qualify for public programs.

They’re trying to protect their market share,” said Gerald Kominski, a senior fellow at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. “They see it as necessary to maintain good relations with the agencies and with the individuals who are involved in decision-making because that’s the way government works.

KK quoted “Supportive programs provided to older adults and adults with disabilities at home and in the community are essential to maintaining physical and mental health. As the state continues to implement its Master Plan for Aging​, it is critical that gaps in access to long-term services and supports are addressed.”

KK quoted “Supportive programs provided to older adults and adults with disabilities at home and in the community are essential to maintaining physical and mental health. As the state continues to implement its Master Plan for Aging​, it is critical that gaps in access to long-term services and supports are addressed.”

Our hope is that these findings will inform and prioritize the implementation of strategies to increase access to care," Kietzman said. "Ideally, program planners and providers will find ways to improve communication about available programs, ease pathways to program information and enrollment, and streamline eligibility requirements."

A UCLA research team has received a five-year, $21 million grant from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to study the health consequences of the 2015–16 Aliso Canyon gas leak disaster.

Segment One: Vickie Mays is a professor in the Department of Psychology at UCLA and Dr. Ninez Ponce is the principal investigator of a study by UCLA’s Center for Health Policy discuss that study with Hal. The findings show that the mental health of young people- as young as 13- has taken a serious hit since the COVID-19 pandemic. "The news isn't good as far as mental health for youth," Ponce said. This data is actually bringing attention to the problem ... What we're getting from this is the alert. Minority population impact? explain. Vickie Mays: The UCLA CHPR goes out of its way to make sure

Mark Keppler interviews Paulette Cha and Shannon McConville at Public Policy Institute of California about their research report, "Coverage and Care for Undocumented Immigrants: An Update," which uses 2015–2019 CHIS data about undocumented in California.