With health care access on the line, Kern County advocates, doctors, and community leaders are coming together to make sure no family is left without coverage, encouraging residents to renew or enroll in Medi-Cal and reminding them that “when our communities are covered, we all thrive.”
The press conference, hosted by the Health for Kern coalition, gathered local health care workers and advocates to address the urgent need for families to maintain access to care.
“This is an all-hands-on-deck moment for Kern County, California, and the entire nation,” said Reyna Olaguez, president and CEO of Building Healthy Communities Kern. “Federal legislation will cut $1 trillion from Medicaid. Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program and a lifeline for more than one-third of Californians, and up to two-thirds here in Kern County.”
The coalition underscored that the deadline for Medi-Cal Expansion enrollment is December 31, 2025, and urged residents to act now to secure coverage. The expansion allows undocumented residents to qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal benefits, an important step toward health equity in Kern County.
Gilbert LaRocque, executive director of Bakersfield Recovery Services, reminded residents that automatic Medi-Cal renewals have ended, and individuals must now renew their coverage manually.
“We’re here to make sure everyone understands these new requirements and connects with trusted organizations to renew safely,” LaRocque said. “If you don’t renew, you could lose coverage for doctor visits, medications, and essential treatments.”
LaRocque emphasized that Medi-Cal coverage is also crucial for those seeking behavioral health and recovery support.
“Seeking help is not a weakness. It’s a sign of strength,” he said. “Through counseling, therapy, and recovery programs, individuals can find hope, and thanks to Medi-Cal, many of these services are available at no cost.”
As of January 2025, over 14.9 million people across California are enrolled in Medi-Cal. Speakers reminded residents that the program covers children, adults, and seniors, and plays a vital role in ensuring families can access care without facing financial hardship.
“Medi-Cal is more than just health insurance,” said Nataly Santamaria, a Central Valley Promotora Network Manager. “It’s a cornerstone of public health and economic stability for millions of Californians, including thousands right here in Kern County.”
Representatives from Clinica Sierra Vista highlighted how preventive care, from vaccines to regular screenings, is key to keeping the community healthy. Nurse practitioner Javier Hernandez noted that Medi-Cal coverage allows patients to access preventive services that can detect conditions like cancer and heart disease early, saving lives and reducing hospitalizations.
“Prevention is power,” Hernandez said. “It means fewer emergency visits and a better quality of life tomorrow. Having access to healthcare is a key fundamental thing for our families and our community.”
Dr. Martinez, medical director for Clinica Sierra Vista, echoed the importance of regular checkups and vaccinations, stressing that prevention helps both individuals and the broader community.
“When we have insurance, we get a healthy community,” he said. “It allows us to be more productive for our families and for Kern County.”
The event also addressed recent Medi-Cal expansion efforts, which have extended eligibility to undocumented residents. Olaguez explained that eligible individuals have until December 31, 2025, to enroll in the expansion program.
“A healthy community means a healthier Kern County for everyone, not just some of us,” Olaguez said. “We’re encouraging everyone to enroll, renew, and utilize their Medi-Cal coverage.” She also reminded residents to bring identification, proof of income, and proof of residency when applying.
According to Ismael Ruiz, who works for the Kern Department of Human Services and assists with Medi-Cal enrollment and outreach, residents have multiple options to apply or renew. He stated that people can apply online at CoverCalifornia.com, in person at local offices, or by mail, fax, or phone.
Ruiz added that the outreach team has partnered with community agencies to operate a mobile service bus that travels across Kern County, allowing residents to apply, complete interviews, and meet requirements on-site.
“We’re doing everything possible to make sure people can get their benefits as soon as possible,” he said. Ruiz also noted that those who apply before the December 31 deadline for the Medi-Cal expansion will maintain their full-scope coverage for the following year.
When asked about community hesitancy to apply, Ruiz urged residents not to let fear or uncertainty prevent them from securing care.
“I know sometimes it’s tough, it’s scary times out there,” he said. “But our health is the most vital thing we have. I encourage everyone to apply however they can, online, in person, or through our partners. Even with talk of federal shutdowns, we are still open, still taking applications, and still working every day to serve the community.”
To make enrollment more accessible, Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance (GBLA) and partners are hosting a series of healthcare awareness fairs across Kern County. Elena, a GBLA representative, announced that the first event will take place Saturday, November 1, in Lamont at the Family Success Center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Additional events will follow in Lake Isabella (Novemeber 4), Frazier Park (November 10), Ridgecrest (November 17), and Delano (November 22), with a second round of outreach planned in December.
“We don’t want our rural communities to feel left out,” Elena said. “We’re taking Medi-Cal awareness on the road to ensure everyone, no matter where they live, has access to the help they need.”
Santamaria closed the event by reminding attendees that maintaining coverage is not only about medical care, but also about peace of mind and financial protection.
“When our communities are covered, we all thrive,” she said. “This is about making sure no one has to choose between their health and their finances.”
