Health Care Budget Deal: #Health4All Coalition Response

California Budget Deal Falls Short, Leaving Immigrant Communities Vulnerable – Health4All Coalition Responds

SACRAMENTO, CA ⁢- [Date of Publication] ​ – A coalition of leading California immigrant and health advocacy groups today expressed deep disappointment and outrage over the recently approved state budget, which maintains significant cuts to Medi-Cal access for immigrants.Despite prior commitments and a special legislative session focused on immigrant support,⁢ the budget agreement leaves‍ a substantial portion of the ‍state’s immigrant population facing limited healthcare options, exacerbating existing health disparities and undermining California’s⁢ promise of inclusivity.

For years, the Health4All Campaign, launched in 2013, ⁣has championed the principle of⁤ universal healthcare access in California,⁤ regardless of immigration status. The ‍campaign ‌has ⁤successfully expanded Medi-Cal eligibility,bringing over one million Californians into the program. However, this recent budget decision represents a significant setback to those hard-won gains.”We are thankful for the caucuses’ support, and outraged that our voices and our concerns have not reached state leadership,” stated Masih fouladi, Executive Director of the California Immigrant Policy‍ Center. “the ⁢immigrant community in california is now under⁢ attack by ​the federal government. This is no way to respond ⁣to concerns about the health⁢ and‍ safety of communities that power our economy and contribute billions ‍in state taxes. Nearly 50% of⁤ children in California have immigrant parents. Their parents now have to choose⁤ between putting food on the table for their families or paying‍ premiums for their own healthcare. We expected better from state leaders who⁤ advocated for support of immigrants during the special session. We will continue to fight ⁢back in the coming months and‍ year to‍ ensure that state leadership restores Medi-Cal for All, regardless of people’s immigration status.”

The budget’s ‍shortcomings include continued exclusion of immigrants from ​full Medi-Cal ⁢coverage, forcing many ​to pay unaffordable premiums compared to other patients, and the elimination of dental care for a significant segment of the immigrant population. advocates warn these cuts will have devastating consequences, especially in light of escalating federal policies targeting immigrant communities.

Kiran Savage-Sangwan, Executive Director of the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, ⁢emphasized the broader implications: “We are profoundly disappointed that the Legislature’s budget singles out immigrants to be excluded ‌from Medi-Cal, pay unaffordable premiums other patients don’t pay, and lose dental⁣ care. ⁣Their plan will cause profound harm to communities already⁢ suffering the trauma of Trump’s militarized invasion of our communities. These‌ actions will‌ widen disparities and further erode trust in the promise of a California for All. ⁤At a time when all ​eyes are⁢ on California, our state must show that immigrant communities​ are worth fighting ‌for.”

The need for accessible healthcare is particularly acute given the current political climate. Dr. Seciah Aquino, Executive Director of the Latino Coalition for ​a Healthy California, powerfully articulated ‌this urgency: “We are outraged. This legislative budget agreement to ⁣delay the Governor’s proposed Medi-Cal cuts is not a solution. Our immigrant communities are suffering from being intentionally targeted. The federal attacks we faced this weekend are yet another‍ reminder that NOW, more than ever, access to mental and physical health needs is‌ not just⁢ important, but a necessity. We need our elected leaders to rise to the ⁢moment and protect ALL Californians. California must do more than delay harm. California must ​protect and ensure Medi-Cal coverage as a right.We cannot⁣ afford half-measures when what’s required ‍is moral clarity and policy action rooted ‍in justice,health,and dignity for all.”

The cuts also raise concerns about economic fairness. angelica Salas, Executive ⁤Director ‌of the Coalition for ‌Humane Immigrant Rights, highlighted the financial contributions of undocumented immigrants: “We are disappointed in the Legislature’s decision to maintain the pause to Medi-Cal Services for Immigrants wiht ‘Unsatisfactory Immigration Status.’ Undocumented Immigrants pay billions in State taxes each year yet these proposals cut access ⁤to critical care services. We urge the Legislature to reconsider this proposal and go back to the table and find a way to keep funding Medi-Cal⁤ for this ​critical community.”

Linda Nguy, Associate Director​ of Policy advocacy‍ for Western⁤ Center on Law & Poverty, underscored the long-term harm caused by the budget decision: “Despite the California Legislature ⁤weakening some of the more egregious budget cuts targeted at older adults‍ and people with disabilities, maintaining discriminatory cuts to immigrant families is callous. Western Center on Law and⁣ Poverty is deeply disappointed that the Legislature’s budget will cruelly inflict long-term‍ harm by excluding a broad group⁣ of immigrants, including many who are⁣ lawfully present, from health​ care access.”

The ⁢Health4All coalition remains committed to advocating ⁢for a truly inclusive healthcare system in California. They ⁣will continue ⁣to push for the restoration of full Medi-Cal coverage for all residents, regardless of immigration status, and will work​ to ensure that California lives