Keeping health coverage affordable and accessible

Health care should be cost-free, as high medical expenses have negatively impacted many families throughout the United States. Affordable health care for everyone would allow people to seek medical services without the constant worry of financial strain. Personally, my family, community, and I have experienced the repercussions of expensive health care, often struggling to afford necessary exams and medications.

Many of the communities I am part of lack the financial and social resources needed to cover health care costs. Living in a low-income neighborhood in Los Angeles, I have witnessed people endure unbearable pain simply because they cannot afford a doctor’s visit. The cost of basic medical procedures—such as blood tests and receiving results—can be overwhelming, forcing many to forgo necessary care. Additionally, I have observed the socioeconomic disparities faced by those relying on Medi-Cal or having no health insurance.

These disparities extend to limited access to mental health, dental care, and treatment for severe illnesses. While some treatments may be partially covered, patients often must pay out-of-pocket to receive adequate care. This issue affects families, college students, and individuals who lack the financial resources to secure health coverage. In California, Medi-Cal imposes significant limitations on mental health services, often failing to treat these concerns with the seriousness they deserve. There is a shortage of health care providers specializing in mental health within low-income communities, and even when care is available, it can be difficult to find therapists who understand a patient’s specific cultural and medical needs. The stigma surrounding mental health treatment—from youth to the elderly—has further prevented many from receiving the assistance they need. Low-income individuals who cannot afford private therapy sessions rely on accessible mental health services, yet these resources remain inadequate.

Health care must be more accessible to low-income communities throughout Los Angeles. Primary care providers must listen to and address the needs of their patients. Prescription medications should be covered to ensure individuals can maintain both their mental and physical well-being. Additionally, health care coverage should extend to in-state and out-of-state college students, regardless of residency status. Accessible health care should not be a privilege reserved for those who can afford it; it is a fundamental right. Everyone deserves to be heard and cared for by medical professionals, prioritizing their physical and mental health.