California Legislature Faces Backlash Over Proposed Medi-Cal Cuts for Immigrants
Sacramento, CA – The California Legislature is under fire following the declaration of a budget agreement that retains governor Newsom’s framework for addressing the state’s financial challenges. Critics argue the plan disproportionately impacts immigrant communities by implementing changes to Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid programme.
The Proposed Medi-Cal Changes
The approved budget includes a freeze on Medi-Cal enrollment for immigrants aged 19 and older without legal status, set to begin January 1, 2027. Furthermore, starting in 2027, immigrants 19 and older who are in the country illegally, alongside those with legal residency of fewer than five years, may have to pay $100 monthly premiums to maintain their coverage.
Amanda McAllister-Wallner, Executive Director of Health access California, stated that the legislative budget proposal largely mirrors the Governor’s plan, delaying or modifying some aspects but using the same framework to single out immigrants in Medi-Cal with premiums, an expanded enrollment freeze, and benefit cuts. She emphasized that thousands have voiced opposition to the deep cuts to the healthcare system that abandons the state’s commitments to immigrant communities.
Masih Fouladi, Executive Director of the California Immigrant policy Centre, expressed outrage. Fouladi stated that the immigrant community in California is under attack by the federal government and noted that this proposal does not address the health and safety of communities that power our economy and contribute billions in state taxes.
Advocates Rally Against Cuts
Several organizations and advocates are voicing strong opposition to the proposed changes,organizing protests and campaigns to pressure lawmakers to reconsider.
kiran Savage-Sangwan, Executive Director of the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, voiced profound disappointment that the Legislature’s budget singles out immigrants to be excluded from Medi-Cal, pay unaffordable premiums other patients don’t pay, and lose dental care. She cautioned that their plan will cause profound harm to communities already suffering the trauma of Trump’s militarized invasion of our communities and that these actions will widen disparities and further erode trust in the promise of a California for All.
Dr. Seciah Aquino, Executive Director of the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California, said that the legislative budget agreement to delay the Governor’s proposed Medi-Cal cuts is not a solution and that our immigrant communities are suffering from being intentionally targeted.
angelica Salas,Executive Director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights,stated her disappointment in the Legislature’s decision to maintain the pause to Medi-Cal Services for Immigrants with ‘Unsatisfactory Immigration Status.’ She added that Undocumented Immigrants pay billions in State taxes each year, yet these proposals cut access to critical care services.
Potential Impact on Immigrant Families
Advocates argue that these changes could have a devastating impact on low-income immigrant families, forcing them to choose between healthcare and other essential needs like food and housing.
Linda Nguy, Associate Director of Policy Advocacy for western Center on Law & Poverty, added that despite the California Legislature weakening some of the more egregious budget cuts targeted at older adults and people with disabilities, maintaining discriminatory cuts to immigrant families is callous.
Comparison of medi-Cal Coverage Proposals
| Provision | Current Status (2025) | Proposed Change (2027) |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment for Undocumented Immigrants (19+) | Covered | Frozen |
| Premiums for Certain Immigrants | None | $100/month |
Will these proposed changes truly balance the budget effectively? How can California ensure equitable healthcare access for all its residents?
The Ongoing Debate Over Healthcare Access
The debate over healthcare access for immigrants in California is not new. The Health4All campaign has been advocating for inclusive healthcare policies for over a decade. The proposed Medi-Cal cuts represent a meaningful setback for the progress made in recent years.
California has been a leader in expanding healthcare access to undocumented immigrants, but the current budget situation has forced lawmakers to make difficult decisions. The long-term effects of these decisions will be closely monitored by healthcare advocates and immigrant communities across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the proposed Medi-Cal changes in California?
- the proposed changes include freezing Medi-Cal enrollment for immigrants 19 and older without legal status starting january 1, 2027, and requiring some immigrants to pay monthly premiums.
- Why are there proposed Medi-Cal cuts?
- The proposed cuts are intended to balance the state budget, but critics argue this disproportionately affects immigrant communities.
- How does the Health4All coalition view these Medi-Cal proposals?
- The Health4All coalition strongly opposes the cuts,viewing them as discriminatory and a reversal of progress in healthcare equity.
- What are the concerns about Medi-Cal premiums for immigrants?
- Advocates worry that requiring premiums will create a barrier to healthcare access for low-income immigrant families,forcing them to choose between healthcare and other necessities.
- What is the potential impact of these Medi-Cal changes on children?
- Nearly 50% of children in California have immigrant parents, and the proposed changes could affect their parents’ ability to afford healthcare, impacting the entire family’s well-being.
Share your thoughts on these proposed Medi-Cal changes in the comments below.
