Dive Brief:
- The California Senate has cleared a bill that would provide state-subsidized healthcare to illegal immigrants and to allow those who can afford insurance to purchase their own. The bill will now go to the state Assembly.
- SB 4, known as the Health for All Act, was authored by Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens), who did so because illegal immigrants are not eligible to buy insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
- If the bill passes, it would make California the first state to offer health insurance to illegal immigrants.
Dive Insight:
The bill has three main provisions: 1) it allows illegal immigrants to buy unsubsidized health insurance through Covered California if the federal government gives the okay; 2) it provides access to Medi-Cal for people 19 and under regardless of immigration status; and 3) it extends Medi-Cal access to adults over the age of 19 regardless of immigration status, if funding is available.
Opponents say the bill will be a financial burden on an already tight budget and that it may draw more illegal immigrants to the state. Proponents argue that the bill will save money in the longterm by cutting down on uncompensated care: "Taxpayers are already paying high healthcare costs for the undocumented Californians when they show up in our emergency rooms," said Republican Sen. Andy Vidak, who voted "yes" on the bill.
Governor Jerry Brown has not yet indicated whether he will sign the bill if it passes.