California Republican minority leaders consider the main cause of the ability of people to register “regardless of their immigration status,” so they are addressing the potential next step in the highly scrutinized Medi-Cal program.
The state is facing a $12 billion budget shortfall as budget talks continue in Sacramento.
The Medi-Cal program went bankrupt earlier this year after going over budget to billions, bringing in a $3.444 billion loan request to save the program covering low-income Golden State residents. Republicans say there is a large part because illegal immigrants are allowed to register in the program, and Newsom said it is part of the spending issue but not the big picture, according to the KCRA.
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The California Governor Gavin Newsom’s May budget revision proposes registering for “full scope coverage” for adults aged 19 and older. (AP Photo/Joseleis Villegas, File)
“In California, the $12 billion deficit and the cost of providing free health care to illegal immigrants is $11.4 billion, which means there will be a huge debate here in California. “Now there are many other ways we can find $12 billion to eliminate the deficit.”
The Newsom’s May budget revision suggests adults aged 19 and older registering for “full scope coverage” and charging a monthly premium of $100 to individuals with certain status,” Fox News Digital reported earlier this month.
“To be very clear, these proposals are the result of a $16 billion Trump slump and higher than expected healthcare use. Due to these external factors, states must take the difficult but necessary steps to ensure financial stability and maintain the long-term viability of MED-CAL for all Californians.
“Governor Newsom refuses to turn his back on hardworking Californians, especially when it comes to their basic medical needs,” she added.
The proposal from the Newsom administration has sparked criticism among some in Congress, as the Democratic California Legislative Latin Caucus suggests a tax increase to pay compensation for illegal immigration programs, according to the KCRA. The question remains whether the $100 premium is enough to force people to leave the program.
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The immigrants will attempt to cross from Mexico to the US at the border in Jacumba Hot Springs, California on December 17, 2023. (Nick Ut/Getty Images)
But Jones said that Medi-Cal is offered to illegal immigrants may not be something Democrats present.
“That’s just a messaging point for governors and Democratic leaders. That’s not real. It means governors and Democratic leaders promise compensation for illegal immigration, and they’re on the role, but there’s little access,” he said.
“Many doctors in California who were offering Medicare and Medicaid have closed their stores and moved to other states. Many other doctors still here have a very low reimbursement rate, so even if many of the other doctors here are here, they’re actually losing money because they actually lose money when they take Medicare or Medicaid patients,” Jones continued.
Newsom acknowledges that surge in illegal healthcare costs are “partial” contributors to Medicaid issues
“Many doctors in California have closed their stores and moved to other states, many former Medicare and Medicaid doctors,” according to California Senate minority leader Blaine Jones. (istock)
Meanwhile, James Gallagher, the leader of Congressional minority, told Fox News Digital that the budget shortage is a “complete disaster” that is “fully predictable.”
“Two years ago, Gavin Newsom and Supermajority Democrats decided to fund illegal immigration healthcare through the Medi-Cal program. Everyone said it would be billions of dollars. Biden was president at the time. He bankrupted the Medi-Cal system needed to support a loan worth $3.4 billion.”
At the federal level, the pending adjustment bill that recently passed the House could also raise issues with the provision of state MEDI-CAL. This could change the federal “match” from 90% to 80% for non-emergency care.
“If Republicans advance this extreme MAGA proposal, millions could lose compensation, hospitals would be closed, and safety nets could collapse under their weight,” Newsom said last week.
Cameron Arcand is a political writer for Fox News Digital at Washington DC.
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