Health4All Coalition: Budget Agreement Statement
- sacramento, CA – The Health4All coalition is raising alarms about the California Legislature's new budget agreement.
- The proposed budget largely mirrors the governor's plan, delaying or modifying some aspects, but maintains the framework of singling out immigrants in Medi-Cal with premiums, enrollment freezes, and...
- Amanda McAllister-Wallner, executive director of Health Access California, said the legislative budget proposal doubles down on the governor's plan, using the same framework to single out immigrants in...
The Health4All coalition strongly opposes the California budget agreement, fearing detrimental impacts on immigrant healthcare, primarily Medi-Cal. This primarykeyword, healthcare access, is a central concern for advocates, who are pushing back against potential cuts and inequities that could disproportionately affect immigrant communities. The coalition’s core mission is to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all, a commitment challenged by the budget’s framework. The deal, which may involve premiums and enrollment freezes, has sparked outrage, with criticisms leveled at state leaders for not prioritizing the health and safety of these communities. The secondarykeyword, immigrant healthcare, is put at risk. Health4All is urging lawmakers to reconsider and prioritize justice. For more on the story, you can always check News Directory 3. Discover what’s next as the fight for equitable healthcare access continues.
California Budget Deal Sparks Health4All Coalition Concerns over Immigrant Healthcare
sacramento, CA – The Health4All coalition is raising alarms about the California Legislature’s new budget agreement. Steering committee members say the deal continues to balance the budget on the backs of immigrant communities, possibly creating long-term inequities in the state’s healthcare system. The coalition advocates for equitable healthcare access, regardless of immigration status.
The proposed budget largely mirrors the governor’s plan, delaying or modifying some aspects, but maintains the framework of singling out immigrants in Medi-Cal with premiums, enrollment freezes, and benefit cuts, according to the coalition.
Amanda McAllister-Wallner, executive director of Health Access California, said the legislative budget proposal doubles down on the governor’s plan, using the same framework to single out immigrants in medi-Cal with premiums, an expanded enrollment freeze and benefit cuts.She added that the Health4All movement has fought for over a decade to eliminate exclusions based on immigration status and this hard-won progress must not be undone.
Masih Fouladi, executive director of the California Immigrant Policy Centre, expressed outrage that their concerns have not reached state leadership. Fouladi said the immigrant community in California is under attack by the federal government and this is no way to respond to concerns about the health and safety of communities that power the economy and contribute billions in state taxes.
Kiran Savage-Sangwan, executive director of the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, said she is profoundly disappointed that the Legislature’s budget singles out immigrants to be excluded from Medi-Cal, pay unaffordable premiums othre patients don’t pay, and lose dental care. She added that their plan will cause profound harm to communities already suffering the trauma of Trump’s militarized invasion of our communities.
Dr. Seciah Aquino, executive director of the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California, said the legislative budget agreement to delay the governor’s proposed Medi-cal cuts is not a solution. Aquino added that California must protect and ensure Medi-Cal coverage as a right.
Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, said she is disappointed in the Legislature’s decision to maintain the pause to Medi-Cal Services for Immigrants with ‘Unsatisfactory Immigration status.’ Salas added that undocumented immigrants pay billions in state taxes each year yet these proposals cut access to critical care services.
Linda Nguy, associate director of policy advocacy for Western Center on Law & Poverty, said that despite the California Legislature weakening some of the more egregious budget cuts targeted at older adults and people with disabilities, maintaining discriminatory cuts to immigrant families is callous. Nguy added that the legislature’s budget will cruelly inflict long-term harm by excluding a broad group of immigrants, including many who are lawfully present, from healthcare access.
What’s next
The Health4All coalition is urging lawmakers to finalize a budget that prioritizes justice, equity, and compassion, and to reject any future proposals that would divide Californians into separate and unequal systems of care. The coalition will continue to advocate for the restoration of Medi-Cal for all, regardless of immigration status.