California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration is seeking a $2.8 billion bailout for taxpayer-funded Medi-Cal, in addition to the $3.4 billion already requested for the program. This comes as Medi-Cal has already spent $9.5 billion on healthcare for illegal immigrants this year, a figure that Newsom attributes at least partially to the expansion of benefits. Newsom has expressed his support for universal taxpayer-funded healthcare, calling it a core principle.
While Newsom has indicated that he is open to potential changes, he has made it clear that rolling back the expansion of benefits for illegal immigrants is not currently on his agenda. With an estimated 1.9 million illegal immigrants in California, the state is spending around $5,000 per individual on healthcare this year.
On average, an illegal immigrant in California earns $13 per hour, totaling $27,040 annually if working full-time. Even with taxes factored in, a working illegal immigrant may only contribute about $1,846 per year in state taxes. This falls significantly short of the $5,000 spent by Medi-Cal on their healthcare, not to mention other services like CalFresh, the state’s food assistance program.
Critics, particularly Trump-era Republicans, argue that illegal immigration is a fiscal drain on the state, pointing to the disparity between the high costs of services used by illegal immigrants and the relatively low tax contributions they make. Assemblyman Bill Essayli, R-Corona, criticized Newsom for his stance on universal healthcare for illegal immigrants, accusing him of bankrupting California and questioning his fitness to lead.
The debate over taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants continues to be a contentious issue in California, with Newsom’s administration advocating for expanded benefits while facing criticism from those who believe it places an undue financial burden on the state. The future of healthcare policy in California remains uncertain as the state grapples with the costs and implications of providing services to undocumented residents.
