Migrant farmworkers are essential. Through their labor, they provide the food that nourishes and sustains our health. However, when it comes to their own health, they are expected to take risks and work in the worst of conditions – too often without environmental protections.
When everyone was told to stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, they continued to harvest our food. During California’s raging wildfires, they worked in smoke-filled air, making them susceptible to respiratory issues. They work in extreme weather – in thunderstorms with dangerous lightning and flooding – and in blistering temperatures during summer months – the peak picking season.
The work they do is considered among the most dangerous, with machine injuries, pesticide exposure and heat-related illnesses that can be fatal. Their work conditions also take a mental toll.
While protecting those in the fields should be the right thing to do, if not for humanitarian reasons, but given their critical role in providing our food supply, the vast majority of migrant farmworkers labor without the safety net of health insurance.
Community Meeting Discusses Medi-Cal Changes and Health Concerns
Although the door for health care did open to include the migrant population in 2024 when Medi-Cal expanded to include all low-income residents regardless of legal status – that coverage is now narrowing for new applicants.
Currently, it’s estimated that between 22-36 % of migrant farmworkers receive Medi-Cal benefits.
American Community Media (ACom), with the California Department of Health Care Services and Tu Tiempo Digital Contigo, hosted a rare community meeting held in the agricultural community of Santa Maria. They brought a panel of state and local health officials and providers face-to-face with about 300 migrant workers and their families who are affected by recent changes to Medi-Cal benefits, as well as those who still lack coverage.
They set up information tables and with the benefit of translation services, the panel responded to several questions and concerns and offered suggestions to navigate access to health care and the changes for applying to Medi-Cal.
They confirmed that previously migrant workers could qualify for a full scope of coverage regardless of immigration status if they met the poverty, low income level and residency requirements – however, this year, California is limiting new enrollment. Those already enrolled are able to continue their full coverage if they renew on time, but migrant workers filing new applications can only receive partial coverage.
Claudia Caceres, of Tu Tiempo Digital Contigo, said this public forum was very important and the first time the central coast agricultural community had an in-person exchange with key health agency representatives.
It was as much an opportunity for health officials to hear directly from workers as it was for workers to ask questions about their eligibility for state-sponsored health care.
However, as people lined up to the microphone to ask questions, a “disconnect” was evident that extended beyond language barriers.
Health officials responded to questions by recommending that people apply for Medi-Cal online, sign up for text alerts to keep informed, or call the public health insurance program directly.
Photo Credit Diana Martinez
Included on the panel, Francisco Lozano, a Mixteco immigrant, pointed out that many in his community speak only their indigenous language, and they can’t read or write and therefore don’t utilize computers or online apps.
When it was suggested that calls can be made to Medi-Cal, another worker responded that they are in the fields working steadily by 7:00 am.
Calls to Medi-Cal typically have extremely long wait times on hold and are unlikely to have translators who speak Mixtec.
Local Assistance is Available
Michaela Killer-Westall, a health care administrator with Santa Barbara County Public Health Clinics, said their clinics and programs can assist those who don’t have Medi-Cal insurance and if they need help applying, they can go to a local county social service office for assistance. “We have two interpreters who speak Mixteco,” she offered. “We also enjoy a partnership with
Jordan Turetsky, director of strategic engagement for CenCal Health, said half of her clients are undocumented and are worried about what is going to happen to their health care benefits. Their program delivers Medi-Cal-related services to a variety of people in need who are asking if there are new programs available. Cancer patients are especially concerned.
“If you have a question, ask us – we have interpreter services, we can connect you with agencies. We can help you with paperwork, she urged, please start with us.”
Providing Personal Data Is A Real Concern
For those migrant workers who’ve managed to navigate and receive health benefits, this current political climate, attacks by ICE and the Trump administration have increased fear.
They asked if their data would be shared if they currently receive benefits or apply– asking if providing personal information could put them in the hands of immigration.
Yingjia Huang, Deputy Director of health care benefits and eligibility at the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), said the state doesn’t share information.
“At the state level, we are very respectful and we want you to get the care you deserve, but we do have to share some information with the federal program,” she said. “What happens with the information at the federal level is outside of the state’s control,” she explained.
A third of Medi-Cal’s budget is dependent on the Federal Government. Huang encouraged people to apply but acknowledged why they would be hesitant. “It is up to you,” she said.
Migrant workers may have temporary work visas and have the legal right to work, but are on guard, as they can still be targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) even if they hold temporary work visas.
“Some people have decided to give up their benefits because they are scared,” said Caceras.
The Mixteco Community
Lozano has been a strong advocate for the large Mixteco community and said migrant workers continue to suffer from chemical exposure from the pesticides used on crops and said that children of parents who work in the fields appear to have more cases of autism. He said pregnant women are among those working in the fields.
Their health often takes a back seat to their need to work, as they cannot afford to miss work or lose their jobs, as many already live below the poverty line.
Adding to their financial insecurity, the Trump administration aims to reduce the wages for H-2A guest farmworkers and allow employers to include housing costs as compensation. The UFW and other labor organizations are challenging this latest move in court, although the cuts appear to have already started to be applied.
Darío Predazzi, division chief with the Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services, said there will also be changes to CalFresh—California’s federally subsidized food assistance program—like Medi-Cal, there are now tightened eligibility requirements, and reduced benefits. “If benefits are denied, you have the right to request an appeal,” he said. “We have a farm worker resource center. Language should not be a barrier to receiving social benefits. We are always available for outreach.”
At the end of the forum, those who attended received a bag of food. The irony was not lost – those who labor to fill our tables are in need of food donations.
Meanwhile, with all of these challenges and vulnerabilities, migrant farmworkers were still urged to apply for Medi-Cal benefits.
“We are still here, although a lot of changes are coming,” said Yingjia. “We want you to keep your Medi-Cal she repeated, “and get the care you deserve.”