Rally in support of Medi-Cal tomorrow in Coachella

Health care officials and activists will gather inCoachella and two other California cities tomorrow to support expansion of theMedi-Cal program.

The rally will be held at 12:30 p.m. at Coachella City Hall, 1515 SixthSt., and is organized by the California Partnership and the Health and HumanServices Network of California. Gatherings will also be held in Los Angeles andBakersfield.

Organizers said the expansion of Medi-Cal has been stalled inSacramento, and the legislation must be in place by June 1 so the state can beready to implement the Affordable Care Act when enrollment begins in Octoberand enroll new Medi-Cal clients by January.

Medi-Cal is a public health insurance program funded by the state andfederal government for people with low incomes.