Newsom proposes scaling back health care for immigrants in California

Published: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 1:47 pm

Newsom to Scale Back Healthcare for Undocumented Immigrants in California to Balance Budget

California Governor Gavin Newsom is proposing significant cuts to healthcare for undocumented immigrants in the state, a move aimed at balancing the state's budget. This shift marks a retreat from Newsom's previous commitment to universal healthcare. The proposal, unveiled Wednesday, includes freezing enrollment for undocumented adults in Medi-Cal, California's version of Medicaid, starting as early as January. Additionally, the plan seeks to charge those who remain in the program $100 per month beginning in 2027.

These changes are projected to save the state an estimated $5.4 billion by the 2028-29 fiscal year. The decision comes amidst a challenging financial climate for California, facing a budget deficit due to economic volatility, including a projected $16 billion drop in tax revenues, which Newsom attributes to the impact of President Trump's trade policies.

The move also follows increased scrutiny from the Trump administration regarding state-funded programs for immigrants. The state's Medi-Cal program has been overspending, particularly due to the cost of providing healthcare to undocumented immigrants, which has exceeded initial projections by at least $2.7 billion. The expansion of Medi-Cal to include undocumented immigrants has proven more expensive than anticipated, leading to this difficult decision.

While Democrats have historically championed healthcare access for all, including undocumented immigrants, the financial strain has forced a reevaluation. The proposal now faces consideration by state lawmakers, who must pass a budget next month. Public opinion on providing healthcare to undocumented immigrants has also shifted slightly, with support dipping in recent years.

BNN's Perspective: This is a tough but understandable decision. While the goal of universal healthcare is laudable, fiscal responsibility is paramount. The state's financial realities necessitate difficult choices, and focusing on cost-saving measures within the Medi-Cal program is a responsible approach. However, it's crucial to ensure that these cuts don't disproportionately impact vulnerable populations and that the state continues to explore sustainable funding models for healthcare access.

Keywords: Gavin Newsom, California, Medi-Cal, healthcare, undocumented immigrants, budget cuts, Medicaid, immigration, healthcare costs, budget deficit, Trump administration, universal healthcare, state budget, healthcare access, California budget, healthcare policy, undocumented immigrants healthcare, Medi-Cal expansion, California healthcare, healthcare reform.

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