Expanding Medi-Cal eligibility ‘a transformative step toward strengthening the health care system’

Bree Gonzales | Contributed

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) aims to provide full expansion of health care coverage for California residents.

In his 2022-23 state budget proposal, the California Blueprint, Newsom is proposing universal access to health care coverage, regardless of immigration status, and new investments to reduce costs and improve the lives of Californians.

“California is tackling the cost of health care head-on. Under the California Blueprint, our state will be the first to achieve universal access to health care coverage,” Newsom said, according to the official governor’s website. “Doubling down on our actions to reduce costs for middle-class families and expand access to important services, this proposal is a transformative step toward strengthening the health care system for all Californians. Everyone is healthier when everyone has access to quality, affordable care.”

Under the California Blueprint, an opportunity to provide a full expansion of Medi-Cal to all eligible Californians is being considered, according to Newsom’s website. This would include an estimated 764,000 undocumented immigrants.

In 2019, California became the first state to extend Medi-Cal coverage to all eligible undocumented young adults up to the age of 26.

The California Blueprint would allocate $1.7 billion to boost health infrastructure and support frontline health care workers.

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