California is widening its health care protection, covering hundreds of thousands of citizens, regardless of their immigration status, becoming the very first American state to reach such an inclusive and human agreement.
“By removing immigration status as an eligibility barrier to Medi-Cal, California is building a more universal, efficient, and equitable health care system for all who call California home,” says Jose Torres, Policy and Legislative Advocate at Health Access California. “Health care is a human right, and our health system is stronger when everyone is included.”
State and national organizations joined forces under the #Health4All coalition and fought for close to a decade in favor of health and racial justice. In 2016, the first victory was achieved when low-income children were covered by Medi-Cal, regardless of their immigration status. In 2020, young adults from 19 to 25 were added. This year, all income-eligible adults who are 50 and older are no longer excluded. The last age group – 26 to 49 – is now covered, granting health care to some 700,000 previously excluded undocumented Californians.
