Key victories include a $26 million investment for gender-affirming care and the prevention of the Medi-Cal asset test for seniors and people with disabilities, according to reports from the Health4All campaign and the California LGBTQ Health & Human Services Network.
The budget season was defined by a push to protect California health care budget protections against the backdrop of federal reductions under H.R. 1. This federal legislation, described by President Trump as his “Big, Beautiful Bill,” resulted in billions of dollars in cuts to Medi-Cal, threatening coverage for millions of low-wage workers, immigrants, and families across the state.
State-level advocacy efforts, led by coalitions including SEIU and the Health4All campaign, focused on preventing "harmful cuts" proposed by state leaders that would have accelerated the loss of coverage for vulnerable populations.
Securing Funding for Gender-Affirming Care and TGI Health
The California LGBTQ Health & Human Services Network successfully lobbied lawmakers for a $26 million investment specifically targeted at protecting and stabilizing health care for the transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex (TGI) community. This funding is intended to ensure continued access to life-saving gender-affirming care.
Preventing Medi-Cal Asset Tests and Immigrant Coverage Cuts
A primary victory for advocates this season was the prevention of the reimposition of the Medi-Cal asset test. This test would have required seniors and Californians with disabilities to prove they had limited assets before qualifying for coverage, a move that would have led to many losing coverage.
Additionally, the Health4All campaign reported a delay in several of the most severe planned cuts targeting immigrant communities. These protections ensure that millions of Californians can maintain access to preventative care, life-saving medications, and dental services.
The campaign’s strategy included a statewide bus tour to bring the message of universal coverage directly to legislators in their home districts, arguing that the state benefits when all residents, regardless of immigration status, have access to basic health services.
The ‘Fair Share’ Corporate Contribution Framework
To address the funding gap in Medi-Cal, the State Senate championed a proposal requiring corporations to pay a fair share into the health care system. This “Fair Share Contribution from Big Corporations” plan establishes a framework for companies benefiting from H.R. 1 to contribute funds back into the state’s health infrastructure.
The push for this measure was supported by SEIU and other coalition partners who argued that corporations making profits should not do so at the expense of the low-income workers who rely on Medi-Cal.
Summary of Budgetary Wins for Health Access
The combined efforts of the “Fight For Our Health” coalitions resulted in several concrete outcomes in the final state budget:
- $26 Million Investment: Dedicated to gender-affirming care and TGI health stability.
- Asset Test Blocked: Prevented the return of asset-based eligibility for seniors and the disabled.
- Immigrant Care Delay: Postponed severe cuts to dental and preventative services for immigrant populations.
- Corporate Framework: Established the “Fair Share Contribution” model for large corporations to support Medi-Cal.
While these measures provide immediate relief, the Health4All campaign maintains that further action is required to ensure no Californian is denied coverage based on immigration status or income level.
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