California's Medi-Cal cuts spark outrage among immigrant healthcare advocates
Around 100 advocates gathered at California’s state Capitol this week to protest cuts to Medi-Cal for undocumented immigrants. The rally targeted Gov. Gavin Newsom’s revised budget plan, which introduces premiums and freezes new enrollments for low-income residents without legal status. Organisers warned the changes would push families into impossible choices between medical care and basic needs. Gov. Newsom initially pledged free healthcare for all low-income undocumented immigrants. His latest proposal, however, requires monthly premiums and blocks new adult applications. Policy researcher Anahi Araiza noted many in the community already delay doctor visits until emergencies because they cannot afford care.
The protest included groups like the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, Survivors of Torture International, and the Health4All Coalition. Kiran Savage-Sangwan, the network’s executive director, called for a budget that rejects cuts, raises new revenue, and bolsters the safety net reserve. Meanwhile, healthcare professionals warned that federal funding shifts—like those under President Trump’s Republican-backed ‘Big Beautiful Bill’—would strain public hospitals and affect even privately insured patients.
In response, Assemblymembers Patrick Ahrens, Robert Garcia, and Tina S. McKinnor urged a $500-million state investment into public hospitals. They argued the funding would help offset federal cuts and protect vulnerable groups, including refugees, older adults, and people with disabilities. The proposed changes to Medi-Cal would mark a sharp turn from California’s earlier expansion of healthcare access. If implemented, premiums and enrollment freezes could leave thousands of undocumented residents without coverage. Advocates insist the state must find alternative funding to avoid deepening disparities in medical care.
