Bad news for undocumented immigrants in California: Is Newsom’s promised universal health care in jeopardy?

Undocumented immigrants in California might soon lose access to Medi-Cal, the state health program that provides medical coverage regardless of the applicant’s legal status. Although Governor Gavin Newsom promised universal healthcare, everything could change due to the high cost of his promise.

According to a letter from the Department of Finance, the Golden State was forced to take out a $3.4 billion loan to cover the costs of universal healthcare. This has raised concerns about potential new cuts, as experts in the field say Newsom has only two options: limit access to healthcare or make cuts in other areas of the state budget.

The high cost of the current coverage is not the only problem for Newsom. According to surveys, providing healthcare to undocumented immigrants is seen negatively by voters, which could affect his political future if he decides to run for President of the United States in 2028. Nevertheless, there are arguments to be made that increasing coverage can decrease the cost paid by the government, when someone without insurance cannot pay.

The cost of Medi-Cal coverage for undocumented immigrants

According to official estimates, the medical coverage for undocumented immigrants has risen from $6.4 billion to $9.5 billion per year. This increase in coverage costs has raised alarms, not only among officials but also within the migrant community itself, which fears losing coverage in the near future.

Some immigrant advocates, like Carlos Alarcón, are concerned.

“We would be very disappointed if we saw cuts and reductions. In tough times, it’s always our marginalized communities that end up losing,” said Carlos Alarcón, an advocate for migrant community rights in California, who has fought for years to expand access to healthcare. Assemblyman David Tangipa pointed out that the migrant community would not be the only ones affected, as without proper spending control, all Californians could lose access to medical services. “We are reaching a critical point,” he noted.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.