Medi-Cal, which is federally funded, currently covers emergency visits and prenatal care for undocumented immigrants. The legislation would extend full coverage to qualified residents. State Senator Ricardo Lara, D-Bell Gardens, has been a vocal advocate for extended care, and was the one to initially propose the child coverage bill in 2015.
“We believe without coverage people are sicker, die younger and are one emergency away from financial ruin,” Mr. Lara said.
The bill has received backlash from some legislators who argue that those who enter the country illegally do not deserve the same benefits as legal residents.
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