Poll shows rising concern about healthcare in California

"(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) Californians are overwhelmingly concerned about the costs of healthcare, and most want better access to mental health services, according to a poll released last month. The survey, commissioned by the California Wellness Foundation, also found that, beyond broader economic worries, 57% of respondents statewide are concerned about federal immigration enforcement actions, which are influencing some health-related choices."

"Nearly 40% of state residents surveyed said they know someone whose mental health has worsened as a result of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. One in five people indicated that they know someone who is afraid to seek medical care because of immigration activity. Byerly said immigration is a more acute concern in the Latino community in Los Angeles, where 60% of people polled know someone experiencing financial hardship that is tied to immigration actions."

"The poll comes ahead of a Nov. 7 forum at UC Riverside where 11 philanthropic organizations, including the California Wellness Foundation, have invited gubernatorial candidates to discuss their healthcare priorities. So far, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former State Controller Betty Yee say they plan to attend."

Californians express strong concern about healthcare costs and widespread desire for better mental health services. Fifty-seven percent of respondents report worry about federal immigration enforcement influencing health decisions. Nearly 40% know someone whose mental health worsened after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, and one in five know someone afraid to seek medical care because of immigration activity. Immigration-related financial hardship is especially acute in the Latino community in Los Angeles, where 60% know someone affected. Nearly 90% of respondents favor gubernatorial prioritization of caps on out-of-pocket health costs. A Nov. 7 forum will convene candidates to address healthcare priorities.

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