Subcommittee advances bill to publish large employers with workers on Medi‑Cal

The Labor and Employment subcommittee advanced SB 1284, which would require the Department of Health Care Services to publish annual reports listing large employers with workers enrolled in Medi‑Cal and estimates of taxpayer cost. The sponsor described the bill as a transparency and accountability measure aimed at (in her words) "giving Californians clear information and delivering long overdue accountability."

Workers and advocacy groups testified that many full‑time workers rely on Medi‑Cal because employer coverage is unaffordable; Edward John Ollos, a janitorial worker, told the committee that contractors have cut wages and benefits and left workers reliant on public programs. Devin Gray of End Poverty in California said the disclosure would provide evidence to inform policy on wages and coverage and help prevent improper loss of benefits under federal changes.

Opponents, including the California Chamber of Commerce and the Society for Human Resource Management, argued the measure risks oversimplifying drivers of Medi‑Cal enrollment, creating an inaccurate picture of employer responsibility, and potentially exposing employers to litigation or public shaming without context. Members debated privacy, data‑collection limits and potential unintended hiring consequences, but moved the bill forward to Appropriations.