Contra Costa Herald

Young, disabled, English learners and homeless students are coming back too slowly from effects, report states

By Emma Gallegos, EdSource.org, republished with permission

Nearly five years after Covid-19 began, a national report released Tuesday,  Sept. 17, 2024, shows that recovery from the pandemic for students will be a “long slog.”

“The State of the American Student,” a report by the Center for Reinventing Public Education (CRPE) states that the findings are “sobering, daunting, and discouraging,” and that the slow pace of recovery from the pandemic has left an indelible mark on education, with long-term implications for students’ income, racial inequity and social mobility in the United States.

“If policymakers and educators do not get serious about ensuring these students have access to proven interventions, then we will continue to see the educational impact of the pandemic reverberate for many years, both in our schools and in our economy,” the report stated.

For the last three years, CRPE — a research organization out of the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University — has released annual reports examining the academic, social, emotional and mental health effects of the pandemic on students. CRPE Executive Director Robin Lake said the reports were an attempt to ensure that schools wouldn’t go back to business as usual before students were “made whole.”

Fears that the pandemic would widen pre-existing opportunity gaps have come to fruition, according to the report’s summary of a wide span of research. The report focuses extra attention on certain groups: young children, disabled students, English learners and homeless students, and students who still lag far behind from where they would have been if not for the pandemic. Lake added these groups were largely not well served by schools before the pandemic began.

The report takes a sweeping look at the issues that have been harming students’ recovery since 2020, including chronic absenteeism, staffing shortages, poor teacher morale and student disengagement. These are all signs pointing to a pandemic recovery effort that will require a “long haul.”

Struggling students need more attention

Currently, schools are facing “gale-force” headwinds trying to address these challenges, the report states. Pandemic-era funding is drying up, declining school enrollment is stretching district finances, and many educators are facing burnout. But the worst part is that the problem is underappreciated, Lake said.

“Perhaps the most concerning thing to us is how little discussion there is about these problems,” Lake said.

Politicians are not talking about pandemic recovery, especially when it comes to the groups that have been struggling the most, she said. For instance, CRPE pointed out how some states, including California, do a poor job communicating data about how students have fared since the pandemic.

Additionally, parents do not seem to know just how far behind their children are — thanks in part to grade inflation and some schools’ poor communication, Lake said.

USC’s Center for Economic and Social Research conducted interviews with the parents of disabled students.

One parent did not learn from the school that their child was failing two courses, making him ineligible to graduate from high school: “I didn’t know until we were in the process of graduation,” the parent told interviewers.

The number of students who are served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has skyrocketed in recent years. It dipped during the peak of the pandemic when school campuses were closed, but surged again as students returned to the classrooms. It’s not clear why, but different theories have emerged.

While it states that kindergartners who have not attended preschool are more likely to have academic and social struggles, including a rising number of behavioral issues and speech delays, the report notes that students who start school behind their peers may be being over-identified as having a disability or that the high numbers could be because students who might have simply been treading water in a previous era are now being correctly identified as having a disability.

The problems faced by disabled students exemplify many of the biggest struggles of pandemic recovery efforts in schools. Disabled students’ academic performance has long lagged behind other students, but that gap has widened in the wake of the pandemic. The teacher shortage is particularly acute among special education teachers, now that they are needed most. Meanwhile, some effective efforts, such as tutoring, are not reaching disabled students. Low expectations for students with disabilities is a crisis that has failed to garner proper attention and resources, Lake said.

One parent interviewed for the report said that getting help for their disabled students required constant fighting. “Multiple times, they promised in-person, in-school tutoring — which they just were understaffed and were never able to find anyone,” the parent said.

Another parent said that without speech therapy, their son with epilepsy fell behind in school during the pandemic.

“He fell further behind because my husband and I tried our best, but we can only do so much if you’re not a teacher, which is very frustrating,” the parent said in an interview.

Recovery solutions are straightforward

The strategies that helped schools recover have “not been rocket science,” Lake said.

Many schools have been successful with programs such as tutoring, high-quality curricula, extending learning time and improving communication with parents. Some schools are making these strategies a permanent part of the school experience, which is good news: Tutoring and small-group instruction are some of the most powerful tools schools have at their disposal, the report states.

But scaling can be tricky, and many of the students who need help the most are not getting it, CRPE notes. Fewer than half of students who most needed that help enrolled in summer school, according to a Rand study, and just 1% of eligible students in Louisiana enrolled in a tutoring program for struggling readers.

The report recommends focusing on the specific needs of struggling students, such as students with a disability or English learners, rather than so-called average students. Addressing the issues that these students are struggling with will pay dividends for the broader student population, Lake said.

Some schools are demonstrating that recovery is possible, even if it’s not the dominant story right now. Students and educators alike are struggling, but there is a renewed understanding of the crucial role that school plays in a community. That has led to some schools rebuilding and strengthening that institution.

“During the pandemic, you remember, there was so much talk about more joyful education, more engaging, more flexible,” Lake said. “We think that that has actually taken hold.”

Emma Gallegos covers equity issues in education and is based in California’s Central Valley.

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The free service aims to improve access to healthcare and eliminate transportation barriers for community residents

MARTINEZ, Calif. – Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and May Mobility, an autonomous driving (AD) technology company, on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, launched PRESTO, a shared autonomous vehicle (AV) service for the general public in Martinez, California and Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (County Hospital) patients. A goal of the service is to improve access to healthcare in the area by providing another reliable and convenient mode of transportation.

The free service will run Monday through Friday, first offering County Hospital patients rides from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and then opening to the general public from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Patients can book rides to or from the County Hospital and to a preferred pharmacy from a set list of locations by calling (925) 995-3797 or by arranging travel with a hospital representative.

From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the service will be open to all residents in the area. Those interested can book rides to a list of designated stops within the service zone by using the May Mobility app, powered by transit tech leader Via, or by calling (925) 995-3797. In addition to stops at the County Hospital healthcare facilities and local pharmacies, the service zone includes stops that help connect Martinez residents to their community, including residential areas, shopping districts and downtown Martinez.

“CCTA is once again making history here in Northern California by offering a free, autonomous vehicle transportation service to City of Martinez residents,” said CCTA Chair Newell Arnerich. “We established the County Hospital element to aid patients who may need rides in the afternoon to resources in the community. As an added benefit to residents, during the evening hours, the service will carry passengers to an array of destinations in the City of Martinez.”

May Mobility equipped a fleet of seven Toyota Sienna Autono-MaaS vehicles with its patented Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) AD technology. MPDM uses in-situ AI to learn in real-time by imagining thousands of “what-if” scenarios every second while it drives and then commits to the safest and most comfortable maneuvers within milliseconds. Each shared AV seats five passengers and all will have an attendant on board to answer questions and assist with passenger entry and exit if needed. Three of the AVs are also wheelchair accessible, with an ADA-compliant wheelchair ramp allowing entry and exit via the rear of the vehicle. The wheelchair-accessible vehicles seat up to three passengers, including one wheelchair user.

“May Mobility is dedicated to filling gaps in public transportation. With the PRESTO shared AV pilot in Martinez, we’re redefining how communities connect and move,” said May Mobility Chief Commercial Officer Manik Dhar. “We’re excited to see how our patented MPDM technology will service local residents and contribute to the broader adoption of AVs.”

CCTA and May Mobility have also partnered with County Connection, which provides fixed-route and paratransit bus service for communities in Central Contra Costa County.

“County Connection has partnered with our paratransit contractor to provide union drivers to serve as safety stewards in each Martinez ADS vehicle,” said County Connection General Manager Bill Churchill, “underscoring our commitment to innovative transportation deployments ensuring everyone has the freedom to travel safely and independently.”

Passenger feedback will play a critical role in shaping the future of autonomous mobility, as data from the City of Martinez PRESTO pilot will be used by federal transportation officials to advance standards in automated mobility. The pilot is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Martinez marks the third location where CCTA has introduced an autonomous vehicle pilot program.

To learn more about PRESTO, visit  https://ridepresto.com/martinez/

 

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For more information and entertainment schedule visit shopstreetsofbrentwood.com

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¡El Supervisor Federal Glover lo invita a la Conferencia de Empoderamiento Juvenil UpliftED 2024!

Contra Costa County District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover is thrilled to invite you to the UpliftED 2024 Youth Empowerment Conference – a transformative, day-long event dedicated to empowering our youth and shaping the leaders of tomorrow. With a deep commitment to our community’s future, Supervisor Glover has put together an incredible experience designed to equip young people with the tools, resources, and inspiration they need to succeed.

This year’s conference is more than just an event – it’s a call to action. Through powerful keynote speeches, dynamic workshops, and interactive sessions, young attendees will explore vital topics such as career development, mental health, digital wellness, and social justice, all within a framework of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA). The event features industry leaders and experts who are eager to share their insights and help guide our youth toward meaningful and impactful futures.

But it’s not just about learning – it’s about connection, community, and fun! With networking opportunities, engaging activities, a live DJ, and an array of food trucks, the UpliftED 2024 Youth Empowerment Conference promises to be an unforgettable experience. Whether your child is passionate about technology, the arts, activism, or simply discovering new possibilities, this event is designed to ignite their potential and empower them to make a difference.

Supervisor Glover, who is deeply dedicated to the well-being and success of our youth, personally invites all parents to bring their children and for all young people to attend this impactful conference. Don’t miss this chance to be part of an event that will inspire, educate, and uplift our community’s future leaders.

This is a free event sponsored by Supervisor Federal Glover, District 5. We can’t wait to see you there!

Download event flyer here for more details. Ticket Registration Site: https://bit.ly/4cIFfBa

En Español

El Supervisor Federal Glover se complace en invitarlo a la Conferencia de Empoderamiento Juvenil UpliftED 2024, un evento transformador de un día de duración dedicado a empoderar a nuestros jóvenes y formar a los líderes del mañana. Con un profundo compromiso con el futuro de nuestra comunidad, el Supervisor Glover ha reunido una experiencia increíble diseñada para equipar a los jóvenes con las herramientas, los recursos y la inspiración que necesitan para tener éxito.

La conferencia de este año es más que un evento, es un llamado a la acción. A través de poderosos discursos de apertura, talleres dinámicos y sesiones interactivas, los jóvenes asistentes explorarán temas vitales como el desarrollo profesional, la salud mental, el bienestar digital y la justicia social, todo dentro de un marco de Diversidad, Equidad, Inclusión y Acceso (DEIA). El evento cuenta con líderes y expertos de la industria que están ansiosos por compartir sus conocimientos y ayudar a guiar a nuestros jóvenes hacia futuros significativos e impactantes.

Pero no se trata solo de aprender, ¡se trata de conexión, comunidad y diversión! Con oportunidades para establecer contactos, actividades atractivas, un DJ en vivo y una variedad de camiones de comida, la Conferencia de Empoderamiento Juvenil UpliftED 2024 promete ser una experiencia inolvidable. Ya sea que a su hijo le apasione la tecnología, las artes, el activismo o simplemente descubra nuevas posibilidades, este evento está diseñado para encender su potencial y empoderarlo para marcar la diferencia.

La Supervisora Glover, quien está profundamente dedicada al bienestar y éxito de nuestra juventud, invita personalmente a todos los padres a traer a sus hijos y a todos los jóvenes a asistir a esta impactante conferencia. No se pierda esta oportunidad de ser parte de un evento que inspirará, educará y elevará a los futuros líderes de nuestra comunidad.

Este es un evento gratuito patrocinado por el Supervisor Federal Glover, Distrito 5. ¡No podemos esperar a verte allí!

Descargue el folleto del evento aquí para obtener más detalles. Sitio de registro de entradas:  https://bit.ly/4cIFfBa

 

 

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Major boost to fundraising effort for project near Clayton

The Mount Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA) is pleased to announce that, on August 22, the California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) awarded a grant of $2.6 million to help build the Mitchell Canyon Education Center in Mount Diablo State Park.

“On behalf of MDIA, I want to express how thrilled we are. We are immensely grateful to the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) for this grant and to all the donors and community organizations who believed in the value of this project and generously provided the initial funding for it,” said Steve Smith, President of the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA).

MDIA is an all-volunteer association and the official support organization for Mount Diablo State Park. The organization has worked closely with California State Parks and the staff at Mount Diablo to pursue funding for a new education and visitor center.

The grant provides critical funding that moves the project forward toward construction phases. The new facility will replace an aging trailer that is not ADA-compliant. The new facility will be fully accessible, able to accommodate school groups on the mountain, expand the natural and cultural history content, and enhance the visitor experience overall. Construction may begin as early as Fall 2025.

The project has attracted wide community support, including from California Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-AD16), who secured a $1 million State allocation for the project, based in part on the new opportunity to serve all the school districts in Contra Costa. A wide variety of community leaders, foundations and organizations have also contributed to and endorsed the project.

MDIA hit the $2 million milestone at the close of 2023 including $1 million in private donations for the education center, matching the state funds.

“We are grateful for the enthusiastic support of the project and financial support from a wide range of individuals, companies, organizations, community leaders, and elected officials,” Smith said.

A total of 116 local donors contributed to the campaign including current and former MDIA Board members, Cemex Corporation, the Kerr Foundation, Clayton Business & Community Association, PG&E and numerous individuals. An anonymous donor made a major contribution that enabled the organization to achieve their goal.

Learn more by taking a 3-minute video tour of the Education Center and reading the project brochure.

Mitchell Canyon is accessible via Mitchell Canyon Road in Clayton. See map.

WCB is a California State Board whose primary purpose is to approve funding for wildlife habitat protection, restoration and wildlife-oriented public access projects.

Established in 1974, the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA) is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that assists the California Department of Parks and Recreation in maintaining and interpreting Mount Diablo State Park for its 700,000 visitors each year. In 2022, MDIA initiated a campaign to build a new education center in Mitchell Canyon, on Mount Diablo’s northeast side to better serve visitors and open new opportunities for students.

For more information visit www.mdia.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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Online Sept. 26, in person Sept. 30th

By Gayle Murray, League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley

Confused about the ballot propositions? Want to learn quickly about them in depth and through a non-partisan lens? Join a Community Conversations webinar on Thursday, September 26 at 4 p.m.

Janet Hoy and Sue Brandy of the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley will give the Pros and Cons positions of the propositions on your ballot based on the League’s research. The moderators will present information about major funding sources supporting the propositions and answer your questions about both the initiatives and the legislative measures on the upcoming California ballot.

Register for the Zoom webinar here.

https://ccclib.bibliocommons.com/events/66ac026442fa12abcec8afcb

The Contra Costa County Library will provide closed captioning and simultaneous Spanish interpretation for this event. The program will be recorded and uploaded to the Library’s YouTube channel after the event.

Information on how to access the Zoom webinar will be sent to your email address 24 hours before the program.  Audience questions will be collected and answered through the Zoom Q&A tab.

Pros & Cons In-Person Presentation

An in-person presentation will be held Monday, September 30th from 7:00-8:30 pm at the Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive in Pleasant Hill. Register on Eventbrite.

Community Conversations are sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley, the League of Women Voters of West Contra Costa County, the Contra Costa County Library and Contra Costa TV.

Contact programs@lwvdv.org for more information.

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15 cities eligible to participate in ADU Accelerator Program

By Steven Harmon, Policy Analyst/Communications, Office of State Senator Steve Glazer

SACRAMENTO – Senator Steve Glazer, D-Contra Costa, announced a newly created program to encourage the construction of hundreds of Accessory Dwelling Units in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.

The ADU Accelerator Program, secured in the budget through Senator Glazer’s efforts, offers rebates of up to $15,000 for qualifying ADU plans and projects. This $2.5 million state-funded initiative is intended to facilitate the construction of 350 ADUs among the 15 cities and towns in the East Bay.

“It is no secret the State of California is facing a shortage of available and affordable housing, and no one knows this better than our local cities and towns,” Glazer said. “From my first days in the State Senate, I have been a staunch supporter of cities seeking new and unique ways to spur the production of housing while blending new developments within the fabric of their communities.”

“I’m hoping that cities in my district can show what can be achieved when cities work together with the state on an incentivized program aimed at producing more affordable housing,” Senator Glazer said.

The program, approved in the 2023 budget, will be administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

The 15 cities are: Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Dublin, Lafayette, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Walnut Creek in Contra Costa County and Livermore and Pleasanton in Alameda County.

Qualifying cities must have a Certified Housing Element that meets the substantial compliance requirements of Housing and Community Development.

Following is an overview of the new program along with guidelines to apply and receive funds. ADU-Program-Overview

Senate District 7 – ADU Accelerator Program | GUIDELINES

Program Overview

Some cities are taking steps to encourage and facilitate the construction of ADUs through the development of permit-ready plans, including architectural design work. Other cities are waiving processing fees to bring down the cost of housing.

This new program will be piloted by Senator Glazer’s District 7, composed of 15 cities in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area. The program will be administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development for the purpose of advancing or “accelerating” the production of 350 ADUs through a series of programs.

Program Funding

Section 19.564 of the Budget Act of 2023 provides $2,500,000 to be allocated by the California Department of Housing and Community Development for implementation of the ADU Accelerator Program (“Program”) to grant funds to cities for the creation of pre-approved permit-ready accessory dwelling unit plans and an incentive program.

Program Eligibility

• Fifteen (15) cities located in Senate District 7, including: Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Dublin, Lafayette, Livermore, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pittsburg, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek.
• Qualifying cities must have a Certified Housing Element that meets the substantial compliance requirements of Housing and Community Development.

Program Details

1. Incentive Program. Available Funding: $1,725,000
2. Low-Income Restricted ADUs

Provide individual rebates of up to $15,000 to property owners who obtain building permits to construct an ADU and receive a certificate of occupancy within 18 months of issuance. Rebates will be provided for units that are deed restricted to low-income households for a minimum of 20 years; based upon the following sliding scale:

• $15,000 for units < 50 square feet
• $10,000 for units between 501-750 square feet
• $5,000 for units between 751-1,000 square feet
• No rebates for units over 1,000 square feet.

1. Non-restrictedADUs

Provide individual rebates of up to $7,500 to property owners who obtain building permits to construct an ADU and receive a certificate of occupancy within 18 months of issuance. Rebates will be provided for units that are deed restricted to low-income households for a minimum of 20 years. Funds are awarded based upon the following sliding scale:

• $7,500 for units < 50 square feet
• $5,000 for units between 501-750 square feet
• $2,500 for units between 751-1,000 square feet
• No rebates for units over 1,000 square feet.

Example:

• City of Dublin has a population of 72,917 (as of January 1, 2024)
• Per Capita: $1.87
• Eligible for Award of $136,352 ($1.87 per capita x 72,917 population)
• Divided by average of $5,000 per unit (unrestricted)

Potential ADUs Added: 27 ADUs

2. Permit Ready Prototype ADU Plans. Available Funding: $750,000

Qualified cities receive funding toward preparing prototypical permit-ready ADU plans (“ADU Plans”), including design elevations and construction drawings. Permit-ready plans are intended to streamline the ADU development process and facilitate additional ADU development in the community. Cities may partner with other cities on applications in this category to leverage investment. The maximum grant per city will be $50,000.

Cities may not be reimbursed for permit-ready ADU plans that were prepared prior to the launch of this program. Program funds may be used to modify or update existing permit-ready ADU plans or to create additional permit-ready ADU plans. Cities may also seek compensation from other eligible cities they share plans with.

Application Process

To receive funds, qualified cities must complete and submit an electronic application to the Town of Danville, Fiscal Agent. All funds must be expended as prescribed below and no later than September 30, 2026, after which these funds would be considered unexpended “Excess Funds” subject to re-allocation.

Incentive Program

An application must include (a) the anticipated number of units proposed to be produced through the program; and (b) amount requested based on the per capita amount identified in the Funding Eligibility section.

Funding will be distributed to cities upon receipt of the application. Any unused funding must be returned to the Town of Danville, Fiscal Agent, at the end of the 18-month period and may be reallocated to cities that meet their targets and have additional need.

Permit-Ready Prototype ADU Plans

An application must include (a) brief description of the plans to be developed including the number of floor plans and ADU sizes; and (b) requested funding amount. The maximum funding is $50,000 per agency. Cities may partner with other eligible cities on applications in this category to leverage funding investment.

Funding will be distributed to cities upon receipt of the application. Permit-ready plans must be completed and available to prospective permittees within 12 months of grant award and include a city resolution adopting the ADU Plans.

Excess Funds

Any funding that has not been expended pursuant to these program guidelines by September 30, 2026, must be returned to the Fiscal Agent, the Town of Danville. These Excess Funds will be reallocated to other eligible agencies pursuant to the Incentive Program Guidelines. Funds will be re-allocated on a first come, first served basis. In the event of multiple requests, consideration will be given to which city or cities will generate the largest number of affordable units.

Application Deadlines

Applications are accepted via electronic submittal only

Incentive Program: September 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025 (may be extended if additional funds are available to be rolled over from the Permit-Ready program).

Permit-Ready Prototype ADU Plans: September 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025.

Program Administration

As authorized through the California Budget Act of 2023 and the California Department of Housing and Community Development, the Town of Danville will act as the fiscal agent (“Fiscal Agent”) to receive funding applications and distribute Program funds. The Town of Danville will receive a 1% fee ($25,000) for administering the program.

General program questions can be directed to Planning Division c/o Jessica Lam, Town of Danville at jlam@danville.ca.gov or (925) 314-3337.

Applications and application-related correspondence can be directed to SD7.ADUProgram@danville.ca.gov.

Biannual Reporting

Eligible recipients will be required to submit Biannual Progress Reports which summarize the number of ADUs that have been permitted and finaled for the reporting period as well as cumulatively for the life of the program through September 30, 2027.

Biannual Progress Reports will be filed with the Fiscal Agent at SD7.ADUProgram@danville.ca.gov.

*Applications are accepted via electronic submittal only

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Cites “finite funding”; would have qualified some for up to $150,000 or 20% down payment; signs 5 other bills

By Allen D. Payton

In a message to the California State Assembly on Thursday, Sept. 6, Governor Gavin Newsom explained his veto of AB1840, Home Purchase Assistance Program: eligibility by Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno) that it’s due to limited funds. He wrote:

“To the Members of the California State Assembly:

I am returning Assembly Bill 1840 without my signature.

This bill seeks to prohibit the disqualification of applicants from one of California Housing Finance Agency’s (CalHFA) home purchase assistance programs based solely on their immigration status.

Given the finite funding available for CalHFA programs, expanding program eligibility must be carefully considered within the broader context of the annual state budget to ensure we manage our resources effectively.

For this reason, I am unable to sign this bill.”

The bill would have allowed some illegal immigrants in California to qualify for the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan program, which would have been renamed under the bill to the Home Purchase Assistance Program, and receive up to $150,000 for a 20% downpayment to purchase their first home.

Newsom also announced on Thursday the bills he signed into law:

AB 1170 by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) – Political Reform Act of 1974: filing requirements.

AB 1770 by the Committee on Emergency Management – Emergency services: Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission: seismic mitigation and earthquake early warning technology.

AB 2094 by Assemblymember Heath Flora (R-Modesto) – Alcoholic beverage control: public community college stadiums: City of Bakersfield.

AB 2436 by Assemblymember Juan Alanis (R-Modesto) – Cattle: inspections: fees.

AB 2721 by the Committee on Agriculture – Food and agriculture: omnibus bill.

For full text of the bills, visit: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

 

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After Supervisors made the estimated 10,000 residents in county eligible 

“While Medi-Cal…includes undocumented residents, some…earn too much money to qualify. And they are not eligible for CoveredCA because they’re undocumented.” 

By Contra Costa Health

Contra Costa Health is now offering affordable health care coverage to uninsured county residents who don’t qualify for Medi-Cal or CoveredCA.

Potentially eligible residents can now call a financial counselor at 1-800-771-4270 to ask about enrolling in Basic Health Care, which offers coverage for primary care, medications, X-rays and more.

While Medi-Cal has expanded to include undocumented residents, some of those residents earn too much money to qualify. And they are not eligible for CoveredCA because they’re undocumented.

“We’re still seeing some people in our community fall through the cracks, unable to get health insurance,” said Gilbert Salinas, chief equity officer for Contra Costa Health (CCH). “Basic Health Care will help fill that gap and give people access to medical care.”

Earlier this year, the Board of Supervisors made undocumented residents eligible for Basic Health Care. It’s estimated that more than 10,000 undocumented residents in Contra Costa are eligible for Basic Health Care.

To qualify for Basic Health Care, residents must have incomes below 300% of the federal poverty level. People enrolled in Basic Health Care will pay a sliding-scale quarterly premium depending on their income up to $20 a month. Enrollment in this program will not be considered as part of a public charge test for immigrants.

Basic Health Care enrollees will be able to access care at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and the County’s outpatient health centers.

“By improving access to primary medical services through Basic Health Care, we aim to reduce unnecessary visits to local hospital emergency departments,” Salinas said.

For more information, visit our Basic Health Care webpage.

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