California Budget Cuts Threaten Healthcare Access for Immigrant Communities, Reversing Years of Progress
SACRAMENTO, CA - June 13, 2025 – A deeply concerning decision by the California State Legislature to approve a budget containing cuts to Medi-Cal coverage for immigrants – both documented and undocumented – has sparked outrage from healthcare advocates. This move represents a notable setback for health equity and worldwide coverage in the state, potentially jeopardizing the health and well-being of vulnerable communities and undoing over a decade of progress.
The budget’s provisions will restrict access to essential healthcare services, forcing individuals to rely on costly emergency room visits or, tragically, face preventable illnesses. Instead of seeking sustainable revenue solutions,lawmakers have opted to balance the budget on the backs of those least able to afford it,a decision that flies in the face of California’s stated commitment to inclusivity.
A divided Legislature & A Stark Warning
The vote wasn’t unanimous. Senator Maria Elena Durazo and Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula, long-standing champions of the #Health4All movement, cast dissenting votes, citing the discriminatory nature of the cuts.Senator Aisha Wahab, recently removed from her position on the senate Budget Subcommittee on Health & Human Services after publicly opposing the budget, abstained from the final vote, signaling a growing internal conflict within the legislature.
“Today’s vote takes California one step further down a path that bakes discrimination into our health care system,” stated Amanda McAllister-Wallner, Executive Director of health Access California. “After more than a decade of work to remove barriers to health care based on immigration status, this vote sends us back to a time when the only health care option for immigrants living in California was to go to the emergency room – or die from preventable illnesses. Despite what we’ve heard from our state leaders, this was not the only option. The legislature has an obligation to raise revenues that guarantee the long-term sustainability of our Medi-Cal program for all low-income Californians. In a time when our immigrant families are facing terror and violence at the hands of our federal government,california leaders must stand up and make the right choices to ensure our health care system remains strong and inclusive of all.”
Masih Fouladi, Executive Director of the California immigrant Policy Center, echoed these concerns. “The Legislature’s vote on the budget today marks a step backwards in our promise to provide health care for all,” fouladi said. “It is extremely disappointing that the legislative leadership decided to endorse the governor’s proposal to cut Medi-Cal and attempt to balance the budget on the backs of those who can afford it the least. These discriminatory cuts are no way to respond to concerns about the health and safety of communities that power our economy and contribute billions in taxes to our state. Instead, the state should look for ways to raise revenue and protect our health care system. In the weeks and months ahead,we will continue to advocate to ensure that California restores Medi-Cal for All,regardless of people’s immigration status.”
Understanding the Specific Cuts
The approved legislative budget includes the following detrimental changes to Medi-Cal coverage:
Expanded Enrollment Freeze: The governor’s proposed enrollment freeze will now encompass all individuals with UIS (Undocumented Immigrant Status), including those legally present in the state, beginning January 1, 2026. This effectively halts access to coverage for a significant portion of the population.
unaffordable premiums: The introduction of a $30 monthly premium per household member will create a significant financial burden for many immigrant families, inevitably leading to coverage loss. This represents a substantial barrier to access, particularly for low-income households.
* delayed Dental Benefit Cuts: while a cut to dental benefits for undocumented enrollees was initially proposed, the implementation has been delayed by only six months.