On Wednesday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California will continue to enroll undocumented immigrants in a state-funded healthcare program.
Some Democrats eyeing the 2028 presidential race are advocating to stop registering additional low-income immigrants under Medi-Cal, the state’s version of Medicaid, beginning in 2026. They also plan to start charging those already enrolled monthly premiums the following year.
Despite California grappling with a $6.2 billion Medicaid shortfall, this announcement follows Newsom’s earlier assertion in March where he stated he wouldn’t cut health benefits for undocumented residents.
Newsom attributed the potential changes to rising costs and the uncertainties stemming from the previous administration’s tariff policies.
It’s worth noting that these healthcare programs are funded nationally without relying on federal dollars.
However, Newsom’s office did not specify the duration of the enrollment freeze.
“The nation must take the difficult but necessary steps to ensure financial stability and maintain the long-term viability of all Californian medical care,” a spokesperson from his office remarked.
