(NPR) California has become the first state in the country to offer government-subsidized health benefits to young adults living in the U.S. illegally.
The measure signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday extends coverage to low-income, undocumented adults age 25 and younger for the state's Medicaid program.
Since 2016, California has allowed children under 18 to receive taxpayer-backed health care despite immigration status. And state officials expect that the plan will cover roughly 90,000 people.
The idea of giving health benefits to undocumented immigrants is supported by most of the Democratic candidates running for president, and California's move comes as the Trump administration continues to ramp up its hard-line crackdown on illegal immigration. On Tuesday, Newsom said the state law draws a sharp contrast with Trump's immigration policies.
"If you believe in universal health care, you believe in universal health care," Newsom said. "We are the most un-Trump state in America when it comes to health policy."
In California, extending health benefits to undocumented immigrants is widely popular. A March survey conducted by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California found that almost two-thirds of state residents support providing coverage to young adults who are not legally authorized to live in the country.
California, the institute notes, has more immigrants than any other state. And an estimated 14% of them are living in the state without legal status.
A national poll suggests that many Americans across the country are far less accepting of the notion of giving health coverage to those who came into the U.S. illegally. A CNN poll conducted after the Democratic debates last month found that 59% of those surveyed do not think government-backed health coverage should be provided to undocumented immigrants.
California's Budget Proposal Would Expand Health Care To Some Undocumented Immigrants
NATIONAL
California's Budget Proposal Would Expand Health Care To Some Undocumented Immigrants
In most states, people living in the country illegally are not eligible for federal health insurance programs like Medicaid and Medicare, except in some cases, like medical emergencies and pregnancies, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Republican lawmakers in California criticized the law, arguing that the state should be spending health care dollars on those living in the state legally.
"We are going to be a magnet that is going to further attract people to a state of California that's willing to write a blank check to anyone that wants to come here," said Republican state Sen. Jeff Stone at a May legislative hearing. "We are doing a disservice to citizens who legally call California their home."
The plan does not cover all unauthorized immigrants under 25, only those whose incomes are low enough to qualify. State officials estimate in the first year the program will cover about 138,000 residents and cost California taxpayers $98 million.
Trump has publicly attacked Newsom's plans.
"It's crazy what they're doing. It's crazy," Trump told reporters last week. "And it's mean, and it's very unfair to our citizens. And we're going to stop it, but we may need an election to stop it."
trump can't be voted out soon enough.
Grrr! I’m so angry! This is an outrage!
I’m kidding. I support state rights to do as they please. I support TX right to execute killers at the rate they do. It might provide for a safer community. I’d be pissed if a Democrat president interferes with that, and id be just as disappointed if Trump intervenes.
I agree with you. The loudest voice here must come from the people of California...
We'll see
I'm for smart legislation and that's not what we are getting. Everything is agenda and race driven. It's sad. I'm all for criminal reform, but with intelligence. I believe in the death penalty for excessively violent murderous crimes. You purposely kill and there's is no question of absolute guilt you should die.
If it's non violent drug sales and other money to survive schemes without guns then yes adjust the punishment to give criminals a 2nd chance, but some folks need to be in jail. I just a news story the other day an armed robber was sentenced to 5 years in jail and was let out in 3 years, as soon as he got out he pulled off another armed robbery and killed an off duty unarmed policeman.
We need smart legislation no matter who is in the White House, Senate, or House Of Congress. Folks should let go of the political animosity and pay attention to who is doing what for why in our country.
As a physician in an underserved area you have no clue how many people who are jusst across the border and/or are here illegally are already getting medical insurance
As a physician in an underserved area you have no clue how many people who are jusst across the border and/or are here illegally are already getting medical insurance
Does that make it OK?
It’s not ideal in the least bit, and I wish we didn’t have to, but it’s humane and kind, and I’m proud that we’re doing it.
Who pays for the majority of this service?
As a physician in an underserved area you have no clue how many people who are jusst across the border and/or are here illegally are already getting medical insurance
Does that make it OK?
Not in the least. Gov't (?state or fed?) lying through its teeth.
I have no problem with compassion; but we lack the resources to care for our citizens.
When people came from Europe c1900 there was little that medicine could do. Now someone can cost us millions (chronic dialysis etc)
this is a tough situation
From the article: "Wildly" popular idea" Yeah?, ok. I doubt that . Fake news.
Who pays for the majority of this service?
we both know that answer, but I’m still proud that we’re doing it because it’s humane and kind. just make your point. Here
Here's my point. You are proud that we the taxpayers are doing this. It's not my burden, nor is it the burden of the taxpayer. You like this idea and therefore we should all accept it as "the right thing to do"?. Where does it stop? How many asylum seekers before the system implodes?
You pay for it, but please do not expect everyone to else to...Just because the Democratic Party has chosen this as a big issue does make it morally right or humane. It is not our problem.
Save us all a lot of guesswork if these guys would just come right out with it and say shoot them all. Instead of all this roundabout outraged wishwash damning civilized answers.
Here's my point. You are proud that we the taxpayers are doing this. It's not my burden, nor is it the burden of the taxpayer. You like this idea and therefore we should all accept it as "the right thing to do"?. Where does it stop? How many asylum seekers before the system implodes?
You pay for it, but please do not expect everyone to else to...Just because the Democratic Party has chosen this as a big issue does make it morally right or humane. It is not our problem.
Affordable Health Care is a big issue, and coverage denials or drug costs aren't restricted to one party or the other. That's the BIG issue, and I don't understand the refusal by some to fight any sort of reform that opens the door for basic, affordable medical treatment. The "I got mine, go get your own" attitude that props up Insurance Companies, rather than finding a solution to the problem is absolutely selfish.
However, regarding illegal immigrants, you seem to think this means illegal immigrants are receiving expensive transplants or cancer treatments on the taxpayer dime. They're not, if anything they are avoiding treatment because medical care is a way of being "documented". But if a sick kid brought here illegally needs some antibiotics but can't afford it, she is our burden until deported. And any property owner knows that if it happens on your property, it's your responsibility.
You're ok paying for their cages, but not their medical treatment?
Not ok paying for cages either. What they want is Purina to set up factories along the border and process them into dog kibble.
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
[Edited on 7/12/2019 by BrerRabbit]
It's not my burden, nor is it the burden of the taxpayer. You like this idea and therefore we should all accept it as "the right thing to do"?. Where does it stop? How many asylum seekers before the system implodes?
You pay for it, but please do not expect everyone to else to...Just because the Democratic Party has chosen this as a big issue does make it morally right or humane. It is not our problem.
all I hear is a bunch of whining, bellyaching, and scapegoating, yet again.
Hear whatever you like. This will be the issue that breaks the Democratic Party in the 2020 election. The nation is not ready to swing this far to the left and the Presidential Candidate the Dems send out in November of '20 will sink to the bottom with this firmly in his pocket. Call it racism or insensitivity....it's a loser.
It's not my burden, nor is it the burden of the taxpayer. You like this idea and therefore we should all accept it as "the right thing to do"?. Where does it stop? How many asylum seekers before the system implodes?
You pay for it, but please do not expect everyone to else to...Just because the Democratic Party has chosen this as a big issue does make it morally right or humane. It is not our problem.
all I hear is a bunch of whining, bellyaching, and scapegoating, yet again.
Hear whatever you like. This will be the issue that breaks the Democratic Party in the 2020 election. The nation is not ready to swing this far to the left and the Presidential Candidate the Dems send out in November of '20 will sink to the bottom with this firmly in his pocket. Call it racism or insensitivity....it's a loser.
The way you and others carry on about this I’m expecting to read that expanding Taco Tuesday to 3 for 5 is going to be seen as a desecration of American values.
Tell you what. I’ll hop on the anti-immigrant bus, legal or illegal, when I see a team of white Americans on a roof boiling in 110 degree heat, or out on a construction or ditch crew, bussing a table, landscaping some flowers and mulch, or cooking in a restaurant kitchen.
Tired of illegals living among you? How about you take it up with the Americans that hire them rather than finding any way you can to scapegoat liberals for all the ills you see in society.
As to the OP, doesn’t it really come down to whether or not one chooses to run their humanity through a patriotic lens...or not?
Ok so what is the "right thing to do" ?
I hear the Right Wing screaming about Democrats backing losing issues. If that is the case why don't you just STFU and let them lose? I am way to the Left of the Democratic Party. I'm patiently waiting to see what America decides. I don't trust the media to foretell the future and I certainly don't think the team players, Right or Left, know what will happen.
I'm betting on Mother Earth and rising sea levels. The United States has been run into the ground by the folks in political power. The electorate has made their choice. The next five years are going to be brutal.
I had a Billy Blastoff when I was a kid. Thought it was boss
It's sad to watch the fear that some people have to say what they really feel. Instead they conjure up scapegoat stories in the news to hint towards their point. They know they'll sound terrible if they are honest, so they drum up a fake campaign to send their message in code.
Yeah it is staggering the sh*t they pack into their sandwiches.
Tell you what. I’ll hop on the anti-immigrant bus, legal or illegal, when I see a team of white Americans on a roof boiling in 110 degree heat, or out on a construction or ditch crew, bussing a table, landscaping some flowers and mulch, or cooking in a restaurant kitchen.
There is a roofers union that pays well once you've paid your dues and plenty of Chefs all over this country with world class training....Same old tired Liberal argument about Illegals doing the work "No one else will do"
It's sad to watch the fear that some people have to say what they really feel. Instead they conjure up scapegoat stories in the news to hint towards their point. They know they'll sound terrible if they are honest, so they drum up a fake campaign to send their message in code. I'm so glad I don't have this problem.
"Their message in code"....What message might that be?
If that is the case why don't you just STFU and let them lose?
Tact not your strong point?
Ok so what is the "right thing to do" ?
Enforce the law or change it. But wait, Congress continues to do nothing. Sanctuary states, driver's licences and benefits for Illegals, Schooling, Voting, No money for Border Patrol.....We could start with ONE democratic Candidate offering a Solution of some sort.
Something.
Tell you what. I’ll hop on the anti-immigrant bus, legal or illegal, when I see a team of white Americans on a roof boiling in 110 degree heat, or out on a construction or ditch crew, bussing a table, landscaping some flowers and mulch, or cooking in a restaurant kitchen.
There is a roofers union that pays well once you've paid your dues and plenty of Chefs all over this country with world class training....Same old tired Liberal argument about Illegals doing the work "No one else will do"
It's sad to watch the fear that some people have to say what they really feel. Instead they conjure up scapegoat stories in the news to hint towards their point. They know they'll sound terrible if they are honest, so they drum up a fake campaign to send their message in code. I'm so glad I don't have this problem.
"Their message in code"....What message might that be?
If that is the case why don't you just STFU and let them lose?
Tact not your strong point?
Ok so what is the "right thing to do" ?
Enforce the law or change it. But wait, Congress continues to do nothing. Sanctuary states, driver's licences and benefits for Illegals, Schooling, Voting, No money for Border Patrol.....We could start with ONE democratic Candidate offering a Solution of some sort.
Something.
I think it's worth reminding folks in here that both parties have offered solutions and actual legislation over the past few years to address some of the immigration problems faced by this nation. There have been bi-partisan bills that came very near passage when Congress was controlled on and off by both parties.
It occurred under Obama but was scuttled by McConnell in the Senate and very recently a bi-partisan bill was purported to have support in both Houses but was sunk by the Trumpster when his base cried foul (or should I say Ann Coulter and Rushbo) and, well, that ended that bi-partisan effort....
With regard to Border Patrol and lack of funding, I think it's also worth reminding people that Border Patrol and its ancillary departments such as ICE constitute the largest department in terms of personnel and funding within the entire Homeland Security Dept....I'm not saying it isn't justified, but Border Patrol dwarfs many federal depts. that are also security related. The largest cog in the gargantuan federal security complex....
I don’t think this is necessarily a bad idea.
It’s a bad look, however, to give away free healthcare to non citizens when Americans were penalized if they did not sign up for Obamacare.
It’s a bad look, however, to give away free healthcare to non citizens when Americans were penalized if they did not sign up for Obamacare.
we should always do the kind and humane thing, and put our personal dislikes second.
"We"...You have more taken out of your paycheck, but please don't speak for me when you say "We"
Ok, no problem.
We should always do the unkind and inhumane thing, and put our personal dislikes first.
That work for ya?
I work in healthcare and we taxpayers pay for every uninsured person who turns up at the emergency room.
Granting healthcare benes shifts the burden of payment and should reduce charity care and cost in the long run.
Is YOUR business is #required to provide services to those who can't pay?
Are you Christian? Do you think healthcare is only for the rich?
Do you pray 1 day a week and throw away people for the other 6?
Exactly. Reality is we are a civilized society and mostly dont let people die all around us on the streets. Of course if they crawl off into the sewers or bridges and die we dont have to pay for it so at least we dont have to foot the bill for all of them.
[Edited on 7/15/2019 by BrerRabbit]
I work in healthcare and we taxpayers pay for every uninsured person who turns up at the emergency room.
How can there be uninsured with Obamacare? Isn't there a penalty for the uninsured?
Granting healthcare benes shifts the burden of payment and should reduce charity care and cost in the long run.
Is YOUR business is #required to provide services to those who can't pay?
Are you Christian? Do you think healthcare is only for the rich?
Do you pray 1 day a week and throw away people for the other 6?
I do not pray at all, I am spiritual
Ok, no problem.
We should always do the unkind and inhumane thing, and put our personal dislikes first.
That work for ya?
You mow your lawn and I will mow mine. But do not think for one moment that your view of kind and humane should and must apply to everyone.
And then go play hippie music.
People can you feel it? Hate is everywhere.
And then go play hippie music.
People can you feel it? Hate is everywhere.
Define it in anyway that makes your day.
