A Future of Health Equity: Reflections on the DHCS Health Equity Roadmap Listening Tour

I’m thrilled to share that FutureGood had the opportunity to partner with the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) on the Health Equity Roadmap Listening Tour, thanks to a grant from the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF). This initiative was an important step in hearing from Medi-Cal members and gathering insights directly from those most impacted by health disparities. Now that the tour has concluded, I want to reflect on what we learned and how it’s shaping the future of healthcare in the state.

Listening to Communities: The Power of Their Voices

At FutureGood, we believe that in order to create a more beautiful and equitable future, we must first craft a clear vision of what this future looks like. The Health Equity Roadmap Listening Tour gave us the opportunity to do just that. Working alongside DHCS, we traveled across the state—both virtually and in person—hearing directly from Medi-Cal members.

We heard about some of the challenges Medi-Cal members face and the ways social determinants of health—like housing and transportation—make it difficult for underserved populations to access the care they need. We also heard about what’s working and the difference Medi-Cal has made in the lives of those who wouldn’t have access to healthcare otherwise. And, just as importantly, we listened to Medi-Cal members share their aspirations for the future of the program. These insights will play a crucial role in informing healthcare policies and programs to better serve the people they are designed to help.

FutureGood’s Role: Shaping Equitable Solutions

Our role in the Listening Tour was to ensure that community voices were heard and valued as essential partners in designing a more inclusive healthcare system. We helped create a process that put people at the center and allowed for real, authentic conversations to take place where members were able to envision their ideal future for the Medi-CAL  system.

The feedback collected throughout the Listening Tour will influence the DHCS Health Equity Roadmap, an ambitious plan to close healthcare gaps and create long-term solutions that work for everyone, no matter their background or where they live.

What Comes Next: Turning Listening into Action

I’m optimistic about what’s ahead. By putting equity at the forefront and ensuring that those most affected by the system have a say in its transformation, we’re building a healthcare future that works for all Californians. It’s the kind of future we all deserve—one where access to quality care is a reality, not a privilege.

To those who shared their stories with us during the tour, thank you. You are helping to create a more equitable healthcare system for generations to come. 
Learn more about the listening tour here: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Health-Equity-Roadmap/Pages/Listening-Tour.aspx