During the release of his 2022-23 state budget on Monday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom suggested universal health insurance for all low-income citizens of his state, including illegal immigrants.
Newsom revealed his $213 billion California Blueprint proposal during a news conference, which will be underpinned by a $45.7 billion surplus. A move to expand health care coverage to all low-income Californians, regardless of immigration status, is one of the suggestions in the plan, which includes implementing a new statewide gun buyback program in the name of public safety.
“Here’s the big one: If our proposal qualifies, California will be the first state in the country to attain universal health coverage,” Newsom stated at the press conference. “So, what does it mean? It means that all low-income Californians, regardless of immigration status, will have access to full-scope Medi-Cal, including long-term care, IHSS [In-Home Supportive Services], and behavioral health.”
If adopted by state legislators, the bill will allow illegal immigrants to access state-funded abortions through the state’s Medi-Cal program.
BREAKING: With our new proposal, California will be the FIRST STATE to achieve universal access to healthcare coverage.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 10, 2022
Unlike other states, California is EXPANDING ACCESS to abortion services.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 10, 2022
Our new CA Blueprint expands flexibility for providers so more women can have more access to reproductive care.
According to Newsom, the plan will be fully executed by January 2024.
The governor said in a press release that the California Blueprint shows us how to maintain making historic progress on our short- and long-term issues, such as responding to the expanding pandemic, combating the climate catastrophe, tackling chronic inequality and homelessness, keeping our streets safe, and more.
“As California’s strong economic recovery continues, we’re stepping up our efforts to guarantee that all of our communities thrive.”
