Newsom says illegal immigrant healthcare costs ‘partial’ contributor to problem

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has acknowledged that the high spending on the state’s Medi-Cal program is partially due to illegal immigrants being allowed to participate. The program, which is California’s version of the Medicaid program for low-income residents, has incurred a $9.5 billion price tag, leading the Newsom administration to request $6.2 billion in loans to cover the costs.

In response to questions from a KCRA reporter, Newsom admitted that the inclusion of illegal immigrants in the program is a contributing factor to the high spending. However, he emphasized that this issue is not unique to California, pointing to similar challenges faced by states like Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Indiana.

The Medi-Cal program, which serves as the state’s affiliate of Medicaid, has come under scrutiny for its ballooning costs. Of the 15 million individuals enrolled in the program, an estimated 1.6 million are undocumented immigrants. This has raised concerns among Republican lawmakers, who argue that taxpayers should not bear the burden of funding healthcare for individuals whose immigration status is not taken into account.

Despite the escalating costs, Newsom’s office has defended the program, stating that tough fiscal decisions are being made to rein in long-term spending while ensuring essential health and social services for Californians. The administration has also highlighted the need for reforms to address the financial challenges facing the program.

California Senate Republican Minority Leader Brian Jones criticized Newsom for the budget overruns, accusing the governor of reckless financial mismanagement. He pointed out that even former Governor Jerry Brown had refrained from expanding Medi-Cal to all illegal immigrants due to concerns about fiscal sustainability.

As the state grapples with the growing costs of the Medi-Cal program, Newsom’s administration has requested additional funding to address the financial strain. The ongoing debate over healthcare funding for illegal immigrants underscores the complex challenges facing California’s healthcare system.

In conclusion, the Medi-Cal program’s high spending and the inclusion of illegal immigrants have sparked a contentious debate over healthcare funding in California. As the state seeks to address the financial challenges facing the program, policymakers face tough decisions about balancing healthcare access with fiscal responsibility.