California Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced a new policy to continue providing government-funded healthcare coverage for about 40,000 low-income adults living in the U.S. illegally, according to an Aug. 22 report from ABC News.
The state currently pays for the healthcare expenses for low-income residents 25 and younger regardless of their immigration status. A new law scheduled to take effect January 2024 will extend those benefits to cover all adults who, regardless of immigration status, qualify for the state's Medicaid coverage.
Between now and 2024, about 40,000 young adults who already have Medicaid in the state are expected to lose their access because they are older than 25, according to the report. However, the state Department of Health Care Services announced it would continue to cover young adults through the end of 2023 to ensure they won't lose their benefits.
Jose Torres Casillas, policy and legislative advocate for Health Access California, said that California is making the healthcare system work more effectively for all communities, regardless of age, income, or immigration status.
"Providing continuous coverage means that tens of thousands of young Californians won't face a disruption in care, keeping them covered and healthier as a result," Mr. Torres Casillas said.
California is the most populous state in the U.S. and is ranked 21st in healthcare access and sixth in healthcare quality by U.S. News & World Report.