Illegal immigrants in California have reportedly received sex change procedures and cross-sex hormone therapy funded by taxpayers, according to allegations from a watchdog group. Chris Rufo, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, claims that some of these individuals accessed transgender medical procedures through California’s Medi-Cal program, which offers healthcare to low-income residents, irrespective of immigration status. California allocates approximately $9 billion annually for healthcare services for illegal immigrants, which includes coverage for transgender care. As of January 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom expanded Medi-Cal to encompass all immigrants, regardless of their legal status. Rufo’s video features interviews with transgender illegal immigrants discussing their receipt of medical treatments through the state’s program. In response, the California Department of Health Care Services has stated that Medi-Cal provides gender-affirming care only when deemed medically necessary, disputing Rufo’s claims of broad access to such procedures.
Why It Matters
California’s Medi-Cal program has faced scrutiny as it expands coverage to undocumented immigrants, amid rising healthcare costs and budget deficits. Approximately 1.7 million illegal immigrants were enrolled in Medi-Cal, which includes provisions for gender-affirming care based on medical necessity. The ongoing debate reflects broader discussions about immigration policy, healthcare access, and state funding priorities, particularly as California grapples with a projected $21 million budget deficit for the 2027 fiscal year. Legislative efforts, such as Senate Bill 1422, aim to secure ongoing coverage for all illegal immigrants, highlighting the complexities of balancing healthcare access with fiscal responsibility.
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