CHCF/Culture IQ: 39 interviews identify trusted, in-language Medi-Cal guidance as an access need

CHCF commissioned Culture IQ Group to conduct one-on-one interviews in January 2026 with 39 undocumented adults ages 26–64 who were enrolled in full-scope Medi-Cal. The study included Latino/x and Chinese-speaking participants across Greater Los Angeles, the Central Valley, the Monterey region, and the Bay Area, with interviews in English, Spanish, and Mandarin.

Participants often had little or no accurate information about upcoming policy changes and identified clinicians, local clinics, and official Medi-Cal communications as trusted sources. For eligibility, outreach, and language-access teams, the instructional pattern is concrete: explain what changes and what does not; show dates, costs, and required actions in plain language; repeat reminders through in-language channels; and make confidentiality protections visible.

This is a small qualitative sample designed to surface experiences and message needs. It cannot estimate statewide prevalence, forecast enrollment, or prove effects at any FQHC.

Verify current eligibility rules and effective dates with DHCS before patient-facing use. Use only aggregate message-testing results in FQHC Talent; do not enter immigration status, patient histories, renewal records, or identifiers.