Bill Would Let Immigrants In The Country Illegally Buy Covered California Insurance
If the measure passes the legislature, which it has a good chance of doing, the state would ask the federal government for permission to allow as many as 390,000 immigrants who earn an income too high to qualify for Medi-Cal to purchase health care through the exchange.
The Los Angeles Times:
California Effort Is Underway To Allow Undocumented Immigrants To Buy Healthcare Coverage
California would be the first state in the nation to ask the federal government to allow immigrants in the country illegally to purchase health insurance through a state exchange under new proposed legislation. Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) authored a bill that would have the state formally request the federal government to give permission for immigrants to pay for coverage through Covered California without cost to the state or federal government. (McGreevy, 4/14)
Meanwhile, California Healthline talks to experts to get their opinions on extending Medi-Cal coverage to adult unauthorized immigrants —
California Healthline:
Should Adults Living In The Country Illegally Qualify For Full Medi-Cal Benefits?
Within a few months, probably in May, children who live in California and are in the country illegally will gain access to full Medi-Cal benefits. Between 170,000 to 250,000 children up to age 19 are expected to qualify. The change comes as a result of a new law by state Sen. Ricardo Lara, D-Bell Gardens. That law originally would have extended full Medi-Cal benefits to anyone living in California regardless of immigration status, including adults, but it was narrowed to cover only children. (Bazar, 4/14)