America's Health was on the Ballot

Sandra R. Hernández, MD, MPH

The 2020 election was the the core principles of our democmost consequential election of racy: equal protection under the our time. The well-being of the law, unfettered voting rights, and nation was on the ballot. equal opportunity for all. This

Former vice president Joe election’s voting has ended, but Biden appears to have won the the important work of strengthWhite House, though the elec- ening and protecting our demoction has yet to be officially certi- racy must not rest. fied. Control of the US Senate will What does this mean for be determined in January. We can California? During the Trump only hope that when the dust set- administration, we counted tles, America will begin to heal. on our state to be a leader in

The COVID-19 pandemic has resisting policies that harmed claimed the lives of more than A Los Angeles resident after voting on November 3. communities and undermined 238,000 Americans — including Photo: Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images public health. Under the Biden almost 18,000 Californians. administration, California will They were beloved family members, dear friends, neighbors, have the opportunity to work alongside the federal government coworkers, and community members. We owe it to those who to achieve common goals. So many health care issues deserve died to put the country’s health above partisan politics. That our leaders’ time and attention, including universal coverage, starts with crafting a dramatically different federal pandemic health equity, the modernization of Medi-Cal, and how best to response that relies on science and recognizes our collective meet the health and social service needs of growing numbers responsibility to protect community and public health. of people experiencing homelessness. CHCF will double down

The pandemic makes clear just how interconnected our on its efforts to reshape the health care system so that it works health is in America. Our federal lawmakers must return to the for all Californians. essential work of making health coverage universally available Regardless of how the rest of the election process plays out, while assuring its affordability. They must build on, rather than major challenges will remain. The winter months, when temtear down, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by making practical peratures drop and Californians are likely to spend more time and meaningful improvements that are widely supported and indoors, will heighten the risks of COVID-19 transmission. The sustainable both fiscally and politically. state is in an economic downturn that dwarfs the Great Reces-

Much of the work that lies ahead is about making our health sion. The Supreme Court today will hear arguments in a case care system more equitable for those who have endured sys- designed to overturn the ACA and wreak havoc on a health care temic racism and blatant discrimination. The Biden administra- system that every one of us depends on. tion will need to regain the trust of our immigrant families by Just as we have done in every other challenge that has come reversing the many policies that create obstacles for their full our way, this state will find ways to move forward, protect participation in society, including the Trump administration’s people, and make progress. That is the California way. public charge rule. We hope the new administration will take active steps to ensure that our health care system delivers the Sandra R. Hernández, MD, is president and respect, dignity, compassion, and quality that have long been CEO of the California Health Care Foundation. denied to far too many Americans — especially Black people. Prior to joining CHCF, Sandra was CEO of The

We know that there is no health without a healthy democ- San Francisco Foundation, which she led for racy. Think of an engaged and informed citizenry as America’s 16 years. She previously served as director of immune system. The more that people participate in civic life, public health for the City and County of San the healthier they are, according to research on civic participa- Francisco. tion conducted in the US and 43 other countries. There may be no more potent public health policy than robust voting rights and easy access to the ballot. Yet those rights are under continuous and direct attack from people who appear not to respect