California lawmakers to back proposal to freeze health care access for some migrants
California lawmakers will vote Friday on a budget proposal to freeze enrollment in a state-funded health care program for immigrants without legal status to help close a $12 billion deficit.
Their plan is a scaled-back version of a proposal Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced in May. California, with the largest state budget in the country, is facing a deficit for the third year in a row. This year's budget shortfall has forced Democratic leaders to start cutting back on several liberal policy priorities, including to the landmark health care expansion for low-income adult immigrants without legal status.
8 Governor Gavin Newsom speaking at a press conference.
JOHN G MABANGLO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
The vote comes as tensions escalate in Los Angeles over President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown across Southern California. As protesters took to the streets and, at times, clashed with law enforcement in dayslong demonstrations, Trump said protests had turned violent and activated more than 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines over the objections of city and state leaders. The demonstrations have largely been peaceful. California has sued the federal government to stop the deployment.
The decision to freeze Medicaid enrollment highlights Democratic state leaders' struggle to protect progressive priorities against budget challenges. Illinois and Minnesota, also led by Democratic governors, are on track to end health care access to low-income adults without legal status after facing budget shortfalls.
8 Supporters of proposals to expand California's government-funded health care benefits to undocumented immigrants gather at the Capitol for the Immigrants Day of Action on May 20, 2019.
AP
8 Protestors holding signs advocating for guaranteed healthcare in California.
AP
8 Protestors holding signs against Proposition 187.
TNS
It is not the state's final spending plan. Newsom and legislative leaders are still negotiating solutions before the start of the new fiscal year on July 1. Lawmakers must pass a balanced budget by Sunday or else they would forfeit their salaries. Democratic state leaders are also bracing for potential federal cuts to health care programs and other broad economic uncertainty such as federal tariff policies that could force them to make even deeper cuts.
Republican lawmakers say the Legislature's budget doesn't do enough to rein in costs ahead of future deficits.
'We have a structural deficit of ongoing programs continuing to increase at a greater rate than revenues are increasing,' state Sen. Roger Niello said. 'So far, there's nothing seen to reverse that.'
Freezing access and adding premiums
The state has more than 1.6 million people without legal status enrolled in its health care program this fiscal year, according to the budget.
8 Republican lawmakers say the Legislature's budget doesn't do enough to rein in costs ahead of future deficits.
Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
8 Newsom and legislative leaders are still negotiating solutions before the start of the new fiscal year on July 1.
AP
Under Newsom's plan, low-income adults without legal status would no longer be eligible to apply for Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program, starting in 2026. Those who are already enrolled wouldn't be kicked off their plans but would have to start paying a $100 monthly premium in 2027. State officials said the plan would help curb future spending and save $5.4 billion by fiscal year 2028-2029.
Lawmakers mostly agreed on the plan to halt enrollment for adults without legal status, but their proposal also includes a provision to allow people to reenroll within six months if they lose coverage for missing payment. The monthly premium would also lower by roughly a third to $30 and would only apply to adults between 19 and 59 under the Legislature's plan. The proposal would save roughly $3.8 billion by fiscal year 2027-2028.
The proposals would likely result in people losing coverage because they can't afford the premiums and send more people into emergency rooms, advocates said.
'This is no way to respond to concerns about the health and safety of communities that power our economy and contribute billions in state taxes,' said Masih Fouladi, Executive Director of the California Immigrant Policy Center.
8 Under Newsom's plan, low-income adults without legal status would no longer be eligible to apply for Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program.
AP
8 According to advocates, the proposals would likely result in people losing coverage because they can't afford the premiums and send more people into emergency rooms.
AP
Democrats divided
California was among one of the first states to extend free health care benefits to all low-income adults regardless of their immigration status, an ambitious plan touted by Newsom to help the nation's most populous state inch closer to a goal of universal health care. But the cost ran billions more than the administration had anticipated and is projected to keep growing.
California provides free health care to more than a third of its 39 million people.
Several Democrats said the Medicaid enrollment freeze does not align with California values, adding the Legislature is breaking promises to taxpayers.
'People have already a decreased amount of trust in government and when we continue to go back on our words, it makes it even harder,' State Sen. Caroline Menjivar, a Democrat, said of the proposal at a hearing this week.
Democratic state Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson defended the budget proposal, saying that the plan is not cutting benefits to people who are already enrolled as Legislature also avoided more devastating cuts in social services. Lawmakers rejected the governor's plan to cut funding for a program providing in-home domestic and personal care services for some low-income residents and Californians with disabilities. They also rejected a proposal that would have cut funding for Planned Parenthood's budget by a third.
'No one who is currently covered will lose their health care coverage,' she said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indianapolis Star
an hour ago
- Indianapolis Star
Trump's DC military parade 2025: Start times, schedule, route, map, how to watch
President Donald Trump's multi-million dollar festival and parade celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army kicked off Saturday morning, June 14, and will continue late into the evening, rain or shine, the White House says. The 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade will conclude a day-long festival, full of music, fireworks and a fitness competition. The pomp and circumstance also coincides with Trump's 79th birthday. "For two and a half centuries, the men and women of America's Army have dominated our enemies and protected our freedom at home," Trump said in a video posted to Truth Social in early June. "This parade salutes our soldiers' remarkable strength and unbeatable spirit. You won't want to miss it. Just don't miss this one. It's going to be good." Here's everything to know about the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade. The military parade and festival celebrates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress voted to establish the Continental Army, organizers say, marking the creation of America's first national military force more than a year before the Declaration of Independence. With Trump arriving at the parade early, the event began at 6 p.m. ET. Trump arrived at his viewing stand to watch the parade at 5:43 p.m. ET, about half an hour earlier than originally scheduled, as evening rain and thunderstorms are anticipated. The president will watch the parade alongside some of his Cabinet members, Republican lawmakers and other top allies. It is unclear if the 7:45 p.m. end time will change as a result of the weather. Here's a look at the full festival schedule*, per the U.S. Army: *The times listed in the above schedule are in eastern time. The parade will take place along Constitution Avenue NW, starting on Constitution Avenue NW and 23rd Street and ending on 15th Street alongside the National Mall, near the National Museum of African American History and Culture. It is next to the Smithsonian Metro Station NW entrance, which will be closed, organizers say, though the Smithsonian Metro Station SW entrance will be open. Yes, the military parade is free. Tickets are not required, but those who register on the U.S. Army event website may get a good view of the procession. Prospective attendees will need to provide their full name, phone number, email and address. Attendees are limited to two RSVPs per phone number. To learn more or RSVP, visit A full list of road closures is available here. USA TODAY will stream the military parade on its YouTube channel. The livestream is also at the top of this story. A full round-up of TV broadcast plans, including CNN, NBC and Fox News, can be found here. Officials initially estimated the Army Birthday Festival and parade would range in cost from $25 million to $45 million, but the Army's latest estimate totaled $40 million, as USA TODAY's Tom Vanden Brook previously reported, citing a Defense official who was not authorized to speak publicly. Trump has said that the Saturday parade will go on, rain or shine, even though the National Weather Service's forecast, as of Friday afternoon, showed a 60% chain of rain. "I hope the weather's okay, but actually if it's not, that brings you good luck, and that's okay, too," Trump said on June 12, during the congressional picnic at the White House. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't affect the tanks at all, it doesn't affect the soldiers. They're used to it. They're tough. Smart." The last major military parade, the National Victory Celebration, was held on June 8, 1991 to celebrate the end of the Gulf War. Contributing: Joey Garrison, Tom Vanden Brook, Amaris Encinas and Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@ Kathryn Palmer is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her atkapalmer@ and on X @KathrynPlmr.
Indianapolis Star
an hour ago
- Indianapolis Star
Trump's DC military parade 2025: Start times, schedule, route, map, how to watch
President Donald Trump's multi-million dollar festival and parade celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army kicked off Saturday morning, June 14, and will continue late into the evening, rain or shine, the White House says. The 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade will conclude a day-long festival, full of music, fireworks and a fitness competition. The pomp and circumstance also coincides with Trump's 79th birthday. "For two and a half centuries, the men and women of America's Army have dominated our enemies and protected our freedom at home," Trump said in a video posted to Truth Social in early June. "This parade salutes our soldiers' remarkable strength and unbeatable spirit. You won't want to miss it. Just don't miss this one. It's going to be good." Here's everything to know about the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade. The military parade and festival celebrates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress voted to establish the Continental Army, organizers say, marking the creation of America's first national military force more than a year before the Declaration of Independence. With Trump arriving at the parade early, the event began at 6 p.m. ET. Trump arrived at his viewing stand to watch the parade at 5:43 p.m. ET, about half an hour earlier than originally scheduled, as evening rain and thunderstorms are anticipated. The president will watch the parade alongside some of his Cabinet members, Republican lawmakers and other top allies. It is unclear if the 7:45 p.m. end time will change as a result of the weather. Here's a look at the full festival schedule*, per the U.S. Army: *The times listed in the above schedule are in eastern time. The parade will take place along Constitution Avenue NW, starting on Constitution Avenue NW and 23rd Street and ending on 15th Street alongside the National Mall, near the National Museum of African American History and Culture. It is next to the Smithsonian Metro Station NW entrance, which will be closed, organizers say, though the Smithsonian Metro Station SW entrance will be open. Yes, the military parade is free. Tickets are not required, but those who register on the U.S. Army event website may get a good view of the procession. Prospective attendees will need to provide their full name, phone number, email and address. Attendees are limited to two RSVPs per phone number. To learn more or RSVP, visit A full list of road closures is available here. USA TODAY will stream the military parade on its YouTube channel. The livestream is also at the top of this story. A full round-up of TV broadcast plans, including CNN, NBC and Fox News, can be found here. Officials initially estimated the Army Birthday Festival and parade would range in cost from $25 million to $45 million, but the Army's latest estimate totaled $40 million, as USA TODAY's Tom Vanden Brook previously reported, citing a Defense official who was not authorized to speak publicly. Trump has said that the Saturday parade will go on, rain or shine, even though the National Weather Service's forecast, as of Friday afternoon, showed a 60% chain of rain. "I hope the weather's okay, but actually if it's not, that brings you good luck, and that's okay, too," Trump said on June 12, during the congressional picnic at the White House. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't affect the tanks at all, it doesn't affect the soldiers. They're used to it. They're tough. Smart." The last major military parade, the National Victory Celebration, was held on June 8, 1991 to celebrate the end of the Gulf War. Contributing: Joey Garrison, Tom Vanden Brook, Amaris Encinas and Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@ Kathryn Palmer is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her atkapalmer@ and on X @KathrynPlmr.
an hour ago
Medicaid enrollees fear losing health coverage if Congress enacts work requirements
It took Crystal Strickland years to qualify for Medicaid, which she needs for a heart condition. Strickland, who's unable to work due to her condition, chafed when she learned that the U.S. House has passed a bill that would impose a work requirement for many able-bodied people to get health insurance coverage through the low-cost, government-run plan for lower-income people. 'What sense does that make?' she asked. 'What about the people who can't work but can't afford a doctor?' The measure is part of the version of President Donald Trump's 'Big Beautiful' bill that cleared the House last month and is now up for consideration in the Senate. Trump is seeking to have it passed by July 4. The bill as it stands would cut taxes and government spending — and also upend portions of the nation's social safety net. For proponents, the ideas behind the work requirement are simple: Crack down on fraud and stand on the principle that taxpayer-provided health coverage isn't for those who can work but aren't. The measure includes exceptions for those who are under 19 or over 64, those with disabilities, pregnant women, main caregivers for young children, people recently released from prisons or jails — or during certain emergencies. It would apply only to adults who receive Medicaid through expansions that 40 states chose to undertake as part of the 2010 health insurance overhaul. Many details of how the changes would work would be developed later, leaving several unknowns and causing anxiety among recipients who worry that their illnesses might not be enough to exempt them. Advocates and sick and disabled enrollees worry — based largely on their past experience — that even those who might be exempted from work requirements under the law could still lose benefits because of increased or hard-to-meet paperwork mandates. Strickland, a 44-year-old former server, cook and construction worker who lives in Fairmont, North Carolina, said she could not afford to go to a doctor for years because she wasn't able to work. She finally received a letter this month saying she would receive Medicaid coverage, she said. 'It's already kind of tough to get on Medicaid,' said Strickland, who has lived in a tent and times and subsisted on nonperishable food thrown out by stores. 'If they make it harder to get on, they're not going to be helping.' Steve Furman is concerned that his 43-year-old son, who has autism, could lose coverage. The bill the House adopted would require Medicaid enrollees to show that they work, volunteer or go to school at least 80 hours a month to continue to qualify. A disability exception would likely apply to Furman's son, who previously worked in an eyeglasses plant in Illinois for 15 years despite behavioral issues that may have gotten him fired elsewhere. Furman said government bureaucracies are already impossible for his son to navigate, even with help. It took him a year to help get his son onto Arizona's Medicaid system when they moved to Scottsdale in 2022, and it took time to set up food benefits. But he and his wife, who are retired, say they don't have the means to support his son fully. 'Should I expect the government to take care of him?' he asked. 'I don't know, but I do expect them to have humanity.' About 71 million adults are enrolled in Medicaid now. And most of them — around 92% — are working, caregiving, attending school or disabled. Earlier estimates of the budget bill from the Congressional Budget Office found that about 5 million people stand to lose coverage. A KFF tracking poll conducted in May found that the enrollees come from across the political spectrum. About one-fourth are Republicans; roughly one-third are Democrats. The poll found that about 7 in 10 adults are worried that federal spending reductions on Medicaid will lead to more uninsured people and would strain health care providers in their area. About half said they were worried reductions would hurt the ability of them or their family to get and pay for health care. Amaya Diana, an analyst at KFF, points to work requirements launched in Arkansas and Georgia as keeping people off Medicaid without increasing employment. Amber Bellazaire, a policy analyst at the Michigan League for Public Policy, said the process to verify that Medicaid enrollees meet the work requirements could be a key reason people would be denied or lose eligibility. 'Massive coverage losses just due to an administrative burden rather than ineligibility is a significant concern,' she said. One KFF poll respondent, Virginia Bell, a retiree in Starkville, Mississippi, said she's seen sick family members struggle to get onto Medicaid, including one who died recently without coverage. She said she doesn't mind a work requirement for those who are able — but worries about how that would be sorted out. 'It's kind of hard to determine who needs it and who doesn't need it,' she said. Lexy Mealing, 54 of Westbury, New York, who was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgeries, said she fears she may lose the medical benefits she has come to rely on, though people with 'serious or complex' medical conditions could be granted exceptions. She now works about 15 hours a week in 'gig' jobs but isn't sure she can work more as she deals with the physical and mental toll of the cancer. Mealing, who used to work as a medical receptionist in a pediatric neurosurgeon's office before her diagnosis and now volunteers for the American Cancer Society, went on Medicaid after going on short-term disability. 'I can't even imagine going through treatments right now and surgeries and the uncertainty of just not being able to work and not have health insurance,' she said. Felix White, who has Type I diabetes, first qualified for Medicaid after losing his job as a computer programmer several years ago. The Oreland, Pennsylvania, man has been looking for a job, but finds that at 61, it's hard to land one. Medicaid, meanwhile, pays for a continuous glucose monitor and insulin and funded foot surgeries last year, including one that kept him in the hospital for 12 days. 'There's no way I could have afforded that,' he said. 'I would have lost my foot and probably died.'
