Medi-Cal expansion will test capacity

San Francisco Chronicle

In less than one year, the Affordable Care Act's promise to bring health care to perhaps 1 million more California residents will be tested. On Jan. 1, 2014, Medi-Cal, the publicly funded health program for low-income and disabled residents, launches a huge statewide expansion. But making a promise is one thing, and delivering is another. In some places, it's already difficult for many poor California residents to find a doctor who is able - or willing - to see them. Many medical providers who see these patients say they are overwhelmed, a situation that could worsen when those newly covered by Medi-Cal arrive for care.

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