Analyzing the Impact of AI on Equity in California’s Health Care Safety Net

This fact sheet outlines the significant advancements and challenges associated with integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the field of healthcare, with a focus on its potential to revolutionize the industry. The document discusses how AI has the capacity to enhance the quality of care, decrease barriers to access, and promote health equity within healthcare systems such as Medi-Cal. It examines potential use cases for AI in four critical areas: back-office operations, clinical support, population health, and health workforce solutions.

One of the key points emphasized in this fact sheet is the inherent risks associated with AI, particularly its tendency to perpetuate bias and inequity when algorithms are based on biased or non-representative data. Additional risks highlighted include data breaches, potential job losses, and unequal access to the benefits AI can offer. The document underscores the importance of carefully considering concerns such as data privacy, obtaining informed consent, addressing algorithm bias, implementing responsible oversight, and ensuring equitable access as AI tools and solutions become more prevalent within the healthcare safety net.