By Anthony, CEO San Jose Participant
For many people leaving incarceration, health coverage is not just a benefit – it is a lifeline. Without it, accessing mental health care, medication, and the stability needed to rebuild a life becomes nearly impossible. For Anthony, Medi-Cal made all the difference.
When I was released, the first thing I had to do was figure out how to navigate a world that had moved on without me. Rebuilding a life from scratch is overwhelming, but I was fortunate that my reentry center, Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), stepped in immediately to help me restart my Medi-Cal. Having that health coverage has been a cornerstone of my success; it gave me a sense of security that I didn't have before. Through therapy and access to necessary medication, Medi-Cal truly strengthened my ability to become a better person and gave me the foundation I needed to pursue stable housing and employment.
However, the road hasn't been without its hurdles. While I am comfortable using technology and have reliable access to a smartphone and the internet, the actual logistics of reentry take time—time that policies like H.R. 1 do not account for. I recently learned about the proposed requirements to report 80 hours of work or volunteering every month, with only a three-month exemption after release. For many, three months is simply not enough time to secure stable housing, obtain a state ID, and find a job or a treatment program all at once.
Obtaining vital documents is a primary example of this struggle. While getting my ID and birth certificate is ultimately helpful for securing a job, the process of waiting for them can create a standstill. During those early months, you also fight the weight of background checks and significant resume gaps that make traditional employers hesitant. While I've found that getting documentation for gig work or day labor isn't impossible, the pressure to meet a strict hourly quota while still trying to find a permanent place to live is immense.
If I could tell Medi-Cal caseworkers one thing, it would be that the support they provide is about more than just a doctor's visit; it’s about the peace of mind required to rebuild. I am proof that with the right safety net, success is possible, but we need policies that recognize how long it truly takes to get back on our feet.
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