Becerra Vows to Restore Medi-Cal Access for Undocumented Immigrants
California Governor-elect Xavier Becerra has signaled plans to reverse recent Medi-Cal restrictions that removed tens of thousands of undocumented immigrants from the program after outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom rolled back coverage expansions amid budget shortfalls and higher-than-expected healthcare costs. Becerra, who takes office facing a tight state budget, deeper federal healthcare cuts, and rising costs, has not detailed how he would fund restored coverage but says affordability of healthcare, including for undocumented residents, aligns with his fiscal and policy values. He has also floated new revenue ideas, including taxing corporations whose low-wage workers qualify for public benefits, that could indirectly affect state Medicaid financing. Specifics on timing and funding mechanisms remain undefined as Becerra prepares to take office.