Human Rights Activists Protest in San Diego
On Thursday, human rights advocates gathered in San Diego to join a statewide initiative opposing Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed reductions to Medicare for low-income residents of California.
“These cuts aren’t just a temporary fix for a challenging budget cycle. They signify a moral failure that could take years, maybe even decades, to correct,” remarked Nicole Lilly, the executive director of Our Time to Act, a youth advocacy organization based in San Diego.
The governor’s budget plan includes several changes, notably the exclusion of undocumented immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and victims of violence from most health services. For instance, there’s a proposed reduction in dental coverage and the introduction of a $50 monthly premium.
Additionally, the budget would significantly lower asset limits. When applying for insurance, the state evaluates any valuable items owned. Currently, the limit stands at $130,000, but the proposal suggests reducing it to just $2,000 for seniors and adults with disabilities.
Michelle Klug, a local resident and member of the California Retirement Alliance, expressed concern that falling below this limit would force individuals to deplete their emergency savings.
“Imagine a disabled senior on a fixed income trying to save $2,000 to fix a leaky roof or cover car repairs. Suddenly, they become ineligible for medical care, and that affects every aspect of their life,” she explained.
Governor Newsom has maintained that these cuts are essential due to an impending multibillion-dollar national budget deficit. At a recent press conference discussing the budget update, he argued that California has done more than any other state to support undocumented immigrants, but the cuts to expensive services reflect a necessary reality dictated by finances.
The Legislative Analysis Service indicates that Medi-Cal spending has reached unprecedented levels, exceeding $200 billion for the fiscal year 2025-26.
Over 14 million Californians are enrolled in Medi-Cal, which is California’s version of the federal Medicaid program. According to data from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, approximately 210,000 beneficiaries in San Diego County could lose their health coverage if the proposed changes go through, as reported by UC Berkeley Labor Center.
A rally was also hosted outside the office of state Senator Akira Weber Pearson in San Diego.
“Our state’s leaders face a crucial decision this June,” Lilly stated. “This is our opportunity to align our moral responsibilities with our national resources and stand against healthcare cuts.”
Weber Pearson, a physician-turned-legislator, acknowledged in a statement the importance of access to Medi-Cal, particularly for the most vulnerable populations in California.
“As budget discussions continue, my priority is to protect healthcare access, ensure coverage stability, and prevent the introduction of new barriers for those who are already medically fragile,” she noted.
Lawmakers have until June 15 to reach an agreement on the budget and begin the final discussions with the governor, with the new fiscal year set to commence on July 1.
