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Governor Gavin Newsom, left, talks on Tuesday with members of a diabetes discussion circle during his visit to the Sacramento Native American Health Center in Sacramento.
Rich Pedroncelli / AP
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Rich Pedroncelli / AP
Governor Gavin Newsom, left, talks on Tuesday with members of a diabetes discussion circle during his visit to the Sacramento Native American Health Center in Sacramento.
Rich Pedroncelli / AP
California has become the first state in the country to offer government-subsidized health benefits to young adults living illegally in the United States.
The measure signed on Tuesday by Gavin Newsom governor extends coverage to undocumented and low-income adults aged 25 and under for the state's Medicaid program.
Since 2016, California has allowed children under the age of 18 to receive taxpayer funded health care despite their immigrant status. And, state officials expect the plan to cover about 90,000 people.
"The law will not provide health insurance benefits to all people aged 25 or under, but only to those whose income is low enough to qualify," the Associated reported. Press.
The idea of offering health benefits to undocumented immigrants is supported by most Democratic candidates running for president. California's decision comes as the Trump government continues to step up its crackdown on unauthorized immigrants. Newsom said Tuesday that state law stands in sharp contrast to Trump's immigration policies.
"If you believe in universal health care, you believe in universal health care," Newsom said. "We are the most unstoppable state of the United States in health policy."
In California, extending health benefits to undocumented immigrants is very popular. A survey conducted in March by California's non-political Public Policy Institute found that nearly two-thirds of state residents were in favor of providing coverage to young adults who were not legally allowed to live in the country. .
The institute notes that California has more immigrants than any other state. And about 14% of them live in the state without legal status.
A national survey suggests that many Americans across the country are much less willing to give health coverage to those who have entered the United States illegally. A CNN poll conducted after Democratic debates last month revealed that 59% of respondents did not think that government-backed health coverage should be provided to undocumented immigrants.
In most states, people living illegally in the country are not eligible for federal health insurance programs such as Medicaid and Medicare, with the exception of some cases, such as medical emergencies and medical bills. pregnancies, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
California Republican lawmakers have criticized the law, saying that the state should spend dollars on health care for those who live legally there.
"We are going to be an attraction pole to attract even more people to a state of California ready to write a blank check to anyone wishing to come here," said Republican Senator Jeff Stone at a news conference. legislative hearing in May. "We are doing a disservice to citizens who are legally resident in California."
The plan does not cover all unauthorized immigrants under the age of 25, but only those with low incomes. State officials estimate that the first year, the program will cover about 138,000 residents and will cost $ 98 million to California taxpayers.
Trump publicly attacked Newsom's plans.
"It's crazy what they do, it's crazy," Trump told reporters last week. "And it's mean, and it's very unfair to our citizens, and we're going to stop it, but we may need an election to stop it."
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