Adriana Ramos-Yamamoto (she/her/hers)
Senior Policy Fellow
Adriana Ramos-Yamamoto, Senior Policy Fellow, leads research and analysis on policies that affect access to health care services in California. She is dedicated to advancing solutions that create a more just and equitable health care system, ensuring that all Californians can access the care they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives. While her primary expertise lies in health care access and behavioral health, Adriana has also contributed to the Budget Center’s work on the broader factors that influence health and well-being, including housing, education, and economic security.
Prior to joining the Budget Center, Adriana worked as a health policy associate at The Children’s Partnership and as a graduate student intern and health educator at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Adriana earned her master’s degree in public health from the University of Southern California and her bachelor’s degree in government from Claremont McKenna College.
A daughter of Mexican immigrants and a proud representative of the Inland Empire, Adriana takes pride in her roots and the experiences that shape her perspective. In her free time, she enjoys creating playlists on Spotify and playing board games with friends.
meet the expert: Adriana Ramos-Yamamoto
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Recent posts by Adriana Ramos-Yamamoto
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5Facts
Affordable Health Care Is Out of Reach for Many Californians
Seven in 10 Californians struggle with health care costs, even with insurance. State leaders must raise ongoing revenue and strengthen policies to reduce premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and barriers to care so all Californians can afford the health care they need. Affordable health care helps Californians get the care they need while keeping up …HealthMedi-Cal -
5Facts
Health Coverage Is Out of Reach for Many Californians
California has made significant progress toward health coverage for all, but persistent racial and ethnic disparities and harmful federal and state policy changes threaten to reverse that progress. New ongoing state revenue is essential to protecting access to health care, addressing inequities, and minimizing the harm of upcoming coverage cuts. Health coverage helps …HealthMedi-Cal -
Commentary
Californians Need Health Care, Not Slogans and Broken Promises
This piece was originally published in The Bakersfield Californian. Politicians love a slogan. “Make America Healthy Again.” “A Healthy California For All.” “The Big Beautiful Bill.” But slogans are easy. Making sure a child can see a pediatrician, a person with asthma can refill their inhaler, or a rural hospital can keep its maternity ward …HealthMedi-Cal -
Fact Sheet
Understanding Recent Medi-Cal Spending in California
Rising Medi-Cal spending reflects broader health care cost trends and expanded access to care, and cutting the program would harm Californians’ health and local economies without addressing the state’s underlying budget challenges. Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, provides free or low-cost coverage to more than one in three Californians, including children, pregnant individuals, seniors, …HealthMedi-Cal -
Issue Brief
H.R. 1 Jeopardizes Californians’ Access to Behavioral Health Care and Key State Reforms
California’s behavioral health system depends on Medi-Cal to serve adults and children. Changes under H.R. 1 threaten Medi-Cal’s core funding and eligibility, putting at risk the state’s investments in behavioral health and housing and leaves more Californians without access to needed care. California has made historic progress in transforming its behavioral health system, …HealthHousing & Homelessness
