Under a new budget proposal revealed by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, California could become the first in the United States to offer universal health insurance – or insurance for all – including the illegal migrants in the country.
Unveiling his California Blueprint proposal for the 2022-23 budget, Newsom stressed that if his proposal is supported, California is poised to become the first state in the US to achieve universal access to health coverage.
According to the proposal, this means that all low-income Californians, regardless of immigration status, will have access to full-scope Medi-Cal, including long-term care, In-Home Supportive Service (IHSS), and behavioral health.
Some immigrants are already covered with health insurance in California despite being in the state illegally: those younger than 26 are covered since 2019 while immigrants older than 50 are covered since 2021.
According to Newsom’s proposal, that coverage would be extended to everyone by January 2024 if passed, but that would most likely happen considering the Democrat supermajority in the state legislature.
A group of progressive Democrats proposed last week not just universal health insurance but a single-payer state system that Newsom believes to be inevitable in the US. The system would be funded by steep tax increases.
Due to the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns, California expected a budget shortfall but ended up with a surplus – ranging $31 bill – $45.7 billion depending on the accounting method – so Newsom envisages spending the extra cash within the year, according to his projected $286.4 billion budget.
The strong fiscal foundation the California Blueprint is built on includes $34.6 billion in reserves, allocates 86% of discretionary general funds to one-time spending, and continues to pay down long-term retirement debts.
According to Newsom, the California Blueprint provides a suitable model for the whole nation to be able to continue providing short-term relief while investing in longer-term solutions that will benefit workers, businesses, and families.
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