California becomes first state to offer health insurance to all undocumented immigrants

[steve_bank]

California is taking out a $3.4 billion loan to cover health care costs. The money will cover “critical payments” one year after expanding Medi-Cal coverage to all immigrants living illegally in the state.

Yes, the federal government funds Medi-Cal, which is California's Medicaid program. The federal government contributes a share of the costs through the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), which is 50% in California for most of the program. However, the FMAP can be higher for specific populations or programs, like those covered under the Affordable Care Act's expansion. Essentially, the federal government and the state of California jointly fund Medi-Ca

California becomes first state to offer health insurance to all undocumented immigrants

On Jan. 1, California will become the first state to offer health insurance to all undocumented adults by expanding access to the state-run insurance plan, Medi-Cal.

abcnews.go.com

"It will cost the state over $6.5 billion annually to provide Medi-Cal to all undocumented immigrants, according to the most recent analysis by the non-partisan Legislative Analyst Office," he told ABC News in a statemenet. "Given the fact that over 300,000 undocumented migrants have crossed into California at the Mexico border in 2023 alone, the costs for this program are only going to increase from here. If Democrat politicians are the responsible leaders they claim to be, they should work with Republicans to freeze the Medi-Cal expansion for undocumented immigrants while we balance the budget."

The typical progressive apo0rich, spend first figure out how to pay for it layetr.

I do not want my tax dollars to pay for an unlimited flow of illegal immigrants. The idea is insane.

 

[NoHolyCows]

The typical progressive apo0rich, spend first figure out how to pay for it layetr.

I do not want my tax dollars to pay for an unlimited flow of illegal immigrants. The idea is insane.

This is my state, and like a lot of people, I want it to lead with both heart and good judgment. Expanding Medi-Cal isn’t about giving away free stuff or inviting an open border—it’s about dealing with the reality that people are already here, working hard, paying taxes in many cases, and still can’t see a doctor when they need one. That’s not right.

Yes, it’ll cost money—but if we’re smart about it, control costs, and fund it responsibly, it can work. It won’t be perfect overnight, and no one’s pretending it will be. But over the next 10–20 years, this could be something the whole country looks to as a better way forward—taking care of people without losing sight of the bottom line.

NHC

 

[Spacetime Inhabitant]

California is taking out a $3.4 billion loan to cover health care costs. The money will cover “critical payments” one year after expanding Medi-Cal coverage to all immigrants living illegally in the state.

Yes, the federal government funds Medi-Cal, which is California's Medicaid program. The federal government contributes a share of the costs through the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), which is 50% in California for most of the program. However, the FMAP can be higher for specific populations or programs, like those covered under the Affordable Care Act's expansion. Essentially, the federal government and the state of California jointly fund Medi-Ca

California becomes first state to offer health insurance to all undocumented immigrants

On Jan. 1, California will become the first state to offer health insurance to all undocumented adults by expanding access to the state-run insurance plan, Medi-Cal.

abcnews.go.com

"It will cost the state over $6.5 billion annually to provide Medi-Cal to all undocumented immigrants, according to the most recent analysis by the non-partisan Legislative Analyst Office," he told ABC News in a statemenet. "Given the fact that over 300,000 undocumented migrants have crossed into California at the Mexico border in 2023 alone, the costs for this program are only going to increase from here. If Democrat politicians are the responsible leaders they claim to be, they should work with Republicans to freeze the Medi-Cal expansion for undocumented immigrants while we balance the budget."

The typical progressive apo0rich, spend first figure out how to pay for it layetr.

I do not want my tax dollars to pay for an unlimited flow of illegal immigrants. The idea is insane.

Have you ever heard the expression 'penny wise, pound foolish'? It is an old expression, obviously referring to British currency, and means that if you are unwilling to spend money on necessities it can end up costing a lot more than what you initially save. By investing in people's health, it will end up saving much more than it costs.
DOGE is an examplar of this expression, as it is allegedly saving a lot but is actually going to cost the Unites States trillions of dollars.

 

[ZiprHead]

The typical progressive apo0rich, spend first figure out how to pay for it layetr.

I do not want my tax dollars to pay for an unlimited flow of illegal immigrants. The idea is insane.

This is my state, and like a lot of people, I want it to lead with both heart and good judgment. Expanding Medi-Cal isn’t about giving away free stuff or inviting an open border—it’s about dealing with the reality that people are already here, working hard, paying taxes in many cases, and still can’t see a doctor when they need one. That’s not right.

Yes, it’ll cost money—but if we’re smart about it, control costs, and fund it responsibly, it can work. It won’t be perfect overnight, and no one’s pretending it will be. But over the next 10–20 years, this could be something the whole country looks to as a better way forward—taking care of people without losing sight of the bottom line.

NHC

This.

Using the emergency department of the hospital is the most expensive type of healthcare and the only one availalble to the undocumented. Being able to go to a regular doctor before an emergency visit is far less expensive.

 

[steve_bank]

Decades back the governor of Ca got on TV and said illegals are welcome in Ca.

Fine, but do not expect the erst of country to pay for consequence.

Families and commonness have to live within a budget. Progressives do not sense of limits ojnn spending.

I agree that govt spending has to be cut, I disagree with the methods in DC.

We have the same problem inn Washington. Years of increasing state spending and now a billion dollar shortfall. The progressive solution is tax tax tax and tax.

NY state has the same problem with cost of illegals.

Washington is a sanctuary state and has no money to support therm. Legakly ERs are requrd to take all comers, and there is no money to support illegals, hospitals are in trouble.

Same with education.

Making sense of Washington’s multi-billion dollar budget hole • Washington State Standard

Washington state lawmakers must find ways to erase a multi-billion dollar shortfall projected for the next two-year state budget.

washingtonstatestandard.com

Making sense of Washington’s multi-billion dollar budget hole
A reckoning has arrived over spending on programs and services that is expected to outpace state tax revenue.

Then idea of unchecked immigration is insane.

Reporting tonight the Washington sho0rtfall is in the neighborhood of 16 billion.

 

[bilby]

I do not want my tax dollars to pay for an unlimited flow of illegal immigrants.

Well, you have your wish, because you don't live in California; And your vote counts for nothing on this matter, because you don't live in California.

 

[bilby]

Then idea of unchecked immigration is insane.

I understand that's exactly what it says on the Statue of Liberty.

 

[laughing dog]

I do not want my tax dollars to pay for an unlimited flow of illegal immigrants. The idea is insane.

That sure sounds like all the centrist independents I know.

Then idea of unchecked immigration is insane.

Now you know how Native Americans felt (and feel).

 

[Toni]

California is taking out a $3.4 billion loan to cover health care costs. The money will cover “critical payments” one year after expanding Medi-Cal coverage to all immigrants living illegally in the state.

Yes, the federal government funds Medi-Cal, which is California's Medicaid program. The federal government contributes a share of the costs through the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), which is 50% in California for most of the program. However, the FMAP can be higher for specific populations or programs, like those covered under the Affordable Care Act's expansion. Essentially, the federal government and the state of California jointly fund Medi-Ca

California becomes first state to offer health insurance to all undocumented immigrants

On Jan. 1, California will become the first state to offer health insurance to all undocumented adults by expanding access to the state-run insurance plan, Medi-Cal.

abcnews.go.com

"It will cost the state over $6.5 billion annually to provide Medi-Cal to all undocumented immigrants, according to the most recent analysis by the non-partisan Legislative Analyst Office," he told ABC News in a statemenet. "Given the fact that over 300,000 undocumented migrants have crossed into California at the Mexico border in 2023 alone, the costs for this program are only going to increase from here. If Democrat politicians are the responsible leaders they claim to be, they should work with Republicans to freeze the Medi-Cal expansion for undocumented immigrants while we balance the budget."

The typical progressive apo0rich, spend first figure out how to pay for it layetr.

I do not want my tax dollars to pay for an unlimited flow of illegal immigrants. The idea is insane.

Have you ever heard the expression 'penny wise, pound foolish'? It is an old expression, obviously referring to British currency, and means that if you are unwilling to spend money on necessities it can end up costing a lot more than what you initially save. By investing in people's health, it will end up saving much more than it costs.
DOGE is an examplar of this expression, as it is allegedly saving a lot but is actually going to cost the Unites States trillions of dollars.

It’s going to cost the US a lot more than money. It’s costing us everything.

 

[Bomb#20]

I do not want my tax dollars to pay for an unlimited flow of illegal immigrants.

Well, you have your wish, because you don't live in California; And your vote counts for nothing on this matter, because you don't live in California.

I take it when you decided to snip out 93% of Steve's post, you didn't read it first. Or were you under the impression that Washingtonians don't pay federal taxes?

Yes, the federal government funds Medi-Cal, which is California's Medicaid program. The federal government contributes a share of the costs through the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), which is 50% in California for most of the program. However, the FMAP can be higher for specific populations or programs, like those covered under the Affordable Care Act's expansion. Essentially, the federal government and the state of California jointly fund Medi-Ca

 

[Bomb#20]

Then idea of unchecked immigration is insane.

Now you know how Native Americans felt (and feel).

Were they wrong?

 

[cycomiko]

Just wait until Steve looks up the FMAP rates for the red states. CA and WA have the lowest rates at 50%.

The link in the OP is from 2023 and, since then, several states offer insurance to immigrants regardless of status. Even Utah insurance the kids of illegal immigrants. However, I don't think all of those states use federal funds and that seems to be the beef with this particular program.

Here in WA we offer states subsidies for low-income households to get private insurance, regardless of immigration status. Again, those are state dollars though.