Local reaction to Governor Newsom’s Medi-Cal roll-back for undocumented people

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Governor Gavin Newsom announced a potential pause to medical benefits for the undocumented community. People here locally are reacting to Newsom's proposal. 

In a budget update Wednesday afternoon, Governor Newsom announced a proposal to cut back Medi-Cal benefits for those who do not have a legal status. Undocumented adults would no longer be eligible to apply, bringing their Medi-Cal services down to minimal coverage, including emergency and pregnancy care.

“We're not cutting. We're rolling back those that are enrolled in our medical system,” Newsom said. “We're just capping it, particularly those without documentation.”

The proposal comes after announcing a $12 billion budget deficit in the state's general fund. It also comes just days after the Department of Homeland Security launched an investigation of the state for allegedly providing benefits to the undocumented. 

Cal Matters reports that 1.6 million people have received benefits from medical without a legal status. While Newsom’s proposal looks to pause eligibility for these people, those who have already been approved can continue receiving benefits from Medi-Cal. 

Flora Ramírez says this is going to make it more difficult since healthcare is already expensive. She and others feel these services should not be cut.

“We all need help,” Mireya Jimenez says. She adds that these are the most vulnerable being affected. 

Watsonville Clinic, Salud Para La Gente, said it would be too soon to see a community impact. In a statement, they said the following: “We oppose any action that limits our patients’ ability to get the care they need. Salud is proud to serve everyone — no matter where they come from, their insurance status, or their ability to pay.” 

Monterey County is adding, regardless of the State’s budget outcome, they are ready to continue serving eligible residents through Medi-Cal. Adding that they have worked closely with the Department of Social Services throughout the expansion phases. 

Currently, the county serves 13 thousand children and about 30 thousand adults through the expansion; all of whom hold incomes 138 percent below the Federal Poverty Level. 

Meanwhile, this is still a proposal by Governor Newsom pending approval from the state’s legislature. If already enrolled in Medi-Cal as part of the expanded population group, you may keep your benefits. The proposal would also allow for children with undocumented status to remain eligible.