March 21, 2019 - SACRAMENTO – The Senate Health Committee on Wednesday, voted 7-1 in favor of SB 29, legislation authored by Senator María Elena Durazo (D- Los Angeles) which gives all Californians who qualify for Medi-Cal, access to quality care regardless of immigration status. The bill now heads to the Appropriations Committee.

“We have taken the first steps toward providing healthcare for all, regardless of immigration status,” stated Durazo. “In spite of their integral role in our state, undocumented Californians are, for the most part, left out of our health insurance system. They can’t get preventive screenings for serious health conditions like diabetes. They rely on emergency rooms and last-minute care.”

This measure will provide Medi-Cal benefits to low-income undocumented adults whose incomes are at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. This means that an undocumented adult in a single-person household would be eligible if their income is $16,754 or less.

SB 29 removes a barrier to health access due to immigration status and brings California closer to ensuring that every Californian has comprehensive, affordable and accessible care.
Source: Senator María Elena Durazo