Los Angeles, CA — The National Health Law Program (NHeLP) is disappointed by the Governor’s revised budget proposal to make cuts to Medi-Cal and roll back California’s Health4All program, a cornerstone of the state’s progress toward universal health coverage. The proposed budget would freeze new Medi-Cal enrollment for undocumented adults as soon as next year, impose a $100 monthly premium on existing enrollees starting in 2027, and cut vital benefits, including long-term care and full-scope dental coverage.
Targeting health cuts to immigrant communities goes against the health equity principles California seeks to uphold.
“We are deeply concerned about the Governor’s proposal to cut critical health coverage for California’s undocumented immigrant population,” said Alicia Emanuel, Director of NHeLP’s Eligibility & Enrollment Practice Area. “Immigrants are the backbone of California’s economy. In 2023 alone, undocumented Californians contributed $8 billion in state and local taxes. We recognize the Governor has tough choices to make, but targeting health cuts to immigrant communities goes against the health equity principles California seeks to uphold.”
The budget penalizes older adults and people with disabilities by proposing to reinstate a Medi-Cal asset limit of $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples in order to be eligible for Medi-Cal. The budget proposal also limits access to in-home supportive services, eliminates coverage of certain over the counter drugs, and requires prior authorization of certain continuing drug coverage. The budget also eliminates select funding for family planning and abortion in Medi-Cal, including supplemental provider payments for family planning and women’s health. These cuts undermine California’s leadership as a reproductive freedom state.
“The state should not be cutting health care for those who need it most at a time when immigrants and Medicaid are under attack federally,” said Kim Lewis, NHeLP Managing Director of California Advocacy. “California needs to continue to be a leader on health care coverage for the residents of the Golden State who need it most.”
To speak with Alicia Emanuel or Kim Lewis, please contact Andy DiAntonio, Director of Communications, at [email protected]. And learn more about our Immigrant health advocacy visit: https://healthlaw.org/eligibility-enrollment/immigrant-health/
About the National Health Law Program
The National Health Law Program (NHeLP) protects and improves access to health care for low-income and underserved people and works to advance health equity. We believe that everyone should have access to high quality, equitable health care and be able to achieve their own highest attainable standard of health. We enforce health care and civil rights laws; advocate for better federal and state laws and policies; train, support and partner with national, state and local health and civil rights advocates; and use strategic communications to achieve these goals.
