California Democrats Push To Restore Full Healthcare Benefits For Illegal Immigrants

Two California Democrats have introduced a bill to restore full Medi-Cal coverage for illegal immigrants age 19 and older.

In June 2025, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state Legislature paused new illegal immigrant enrollments in full-scope Medi-Cal coverage amid backlash over taxpayer costs. The freeze took effect in January, shifting those already enrolled to limited-scope coverage, emergency and pregnancy care only, funded by federal dollars, while barring new applicants over 19 from full benefits, including prescription drugs and routine doctor visits.

Now, Democratic state Sen. María Elena Durazo and Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula have introduced Senate Bill 1422, the Medi-Cal Access Restoration Act, which would lift the pause. The bill intends to make individuals 19 or older without satisfactory 🛂Immigration status “eligible for the full scope of Medi-Cal benefits subject to certain limitations, such as the payment of premiums and certain dental benefits.”

“This bill would instead make an individual who is 19 years of age or older, who does not have satisfactory 🛂Immigration status, eligible for the full scope of Medi-Cal benefits subject to certain limitations, such as the payment of premiums and certain dental benefits,” SB 1422 states. “Because counties are required to make Medi-Cal eligibility determinations and this bill would alter Medi-Cal eligibility, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.”