California Governor seeks to scale back free healthcare for migrants

Newsom plans cuts to migrant healthcare amid $16 billion revenue hit

Robert Besser
19 May 2025, 21:04 GMT+10

California Governor seeks to scale back free healthcare for migrants

California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed cutting back a free healthcare program for low-income undocumented migrants
He said the state is expecting to lose US$16 billion in revenue because of tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump and needs to make budget changes
The proposal, part of Newsom’s budget plan shared on May 14, aims to save money while still supporting essential programs

SACRAMENTO, California: California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed cutting back a free healthcare program for low-income undocumented migrants.

He said the state is expecting to lose US$16 billion in revenue because of tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump and needs to make budget changes.

The proposal, part of Newsom's budget plan shared on May 14, aims to save money while still supporting essential programs. The governor's office said lower state income from tariffs means California must make tough financial decisions.

Trump's administration has pushed against immigrant-friendly policies in states like California, pressuring them to cut benefits for undocumented migrants.

Under Newsom's plan, undocumented adults would be required to start paying $100 per month to maintain their Medi-Cal health coverage. Beginning January 1, 2026, no new undocumented adult applicants will be accepted. Healthcare for children and emergency or pregnancy services would still be covered.

These changes would save California about $5.4 billion by the 2028–2029 budget year. The free healthcare program for undocumented migrants only began on January 1, 2024.

Newsom said he still supports immigrant communities but believes the cuts are necessary due to the state's financial challenges, including the rising cost of Medi-Cal. A budget deficit is expected in the coming year.