According to a watchdog group, undocumented immigrants in California are receiving gender reassignment procedures and hormone therapy, reportedly funded by taxpayers at a low cost. Chris Rufo, a Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, shared in a video that some undocumented individuals are obtaining transgender medical care via California’s Medi-Cal program. This program ensures health insurance for low-income residents, regardless of immigration status. The California Department of Health Services indicates that around $9 billion is spent annually to offer healthcare to undocumented immigrants, which includes services for transgender individuals.
Approximately 1.7 million undocumented immigrants have received comprehensive coverage, which sometimes includes “gender-affirming care.” In January 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom expanded Medi-Cal to encompass all immigrants, regardless of their immigration status. Rufo documented an interaction with a transgender woman from Honduras outside a taxpayer-funded homeless shelter in San Francisco, who spoke about her experience receiving gender therapy through the state’s program.
Another immigrant claimed she had legal status and used taxpayer money to get breast implants. Stephen Chan, the White House communications director, criticized Newsom, labeling the situation as symptomatic of a “woke, liberal ideology.”
The DHCS responded to Rufo’s claims, stating that his video and article contain false information regarding Medi-Cal eligibility and benefits. They emphasized that the program does not freely offer gender reassignment surgeries and is designed to meet strict eligibility criteria. Coverage for transgender care is restricted to situations deemed medically necessary.
The agency reiterated that Medi-Cal covers gender-affirming care only if aligned with established clinical guidelines and if proven medically necessary. Rufo’s report noted that necessary medical interventions may include surgeries to alleviate symptoms of gender dysphoria.
In light of ongoing issues, Democratic lawmakers have introduced Senate Bill 1422 to guarantee that all undocumented immigrants are included in the Medi-Cal program. This comes after California paused new enrollments for those aged 19 and older lacking legal immigration status, amid rising costs and a projected budget deficit of $21 million for the upcoming fiscal year.
Comments from Newsom’s office have not yet been received.
