US EditionCalifornia Governor Proposes Pausing Expansion of Health Care to Low-Income Immigrants
- California Governor Gavin Newsom announced in May 2025 a freeze on new Medi-Cal enrollment for low-income undocumented adults starting in 2026 in Sacramento, Calif.
- Newsom's proposal responds to an unexpected $16 billion drop in state tax revenue and a $2.7 billion higher-than-projected cost to cover immigrants without legal status under Medi-Cal.
- The plan also includes a $100 monthly premium starting in 2027 for immigrants already enrolled, aiming to save $5.4 billion by fiscal year 2028–29 while protecting children and legal residents.
- About 1.6 million undocumented immigrants currently receive Medi-Cal benefits, and Newsom said these steps are "difficult but necessary to ensure fiscal stability" and preserve Medi-Cal's viability.
- The proposal, facing budget pressures from economic uncertainties and federal trade policies, will require legislative approval by June and signals a retrenchment from universal healthcare goals in California.
113 Articles
113 Articles
Newsom’s Plan to Balance Budget Could Face Tough Going in Sacramento
Earlier this week, Governor Newsom unveiled his new plan to balance the California's $12 Billion budget deficit--with cuts that are raising controversy. The governor suggested putting the scalpel to Medi-Cal -- California’s version of Medicaid. Newsom said that he wants to save the state money by capping enrollment of adult immigrants that are here illegally. He also proposed charging these individuals a $100 monthly co-pay to access public heal…
Democratic governors reverse course on health care for immigrants without legal status
With massive budget cuts looming and threats from the Trump administration, several states are considering whether to cut Medicaid benefits for migrants in the country without legal status.
Blaming Immigrants: A Bipartisan Strategy
Blaming immigrants for almost everything has become a strategy for both Republicans and Democrats. While Democrats tend to be more tolerant, it’s becoming apparent that some are shifting blame to immigrants for specific issues. The New York Times recently reported that California Governor Gavin Newsom (and possibly a 2028 presidential candidate) “will call Wednesday for California to scale back health care for undocumented immigrants to help ba…
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