Senator Durazo Announces Agreement with Governor Newsom to Work on Providing Medi-Cal Coverage to Undocumented Seniors

SACRAMENTO – After meeting with Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator María Elena Durazo (D-Los Ángeles) announced today that she will keep Senate Bill 29 in the Assembly with the commitment from him to work with the legislature to address the Medi-Cal expansion to low-income undocumented immigrants age 65 or older next year.

 “I want to thank Governor Newsom for his pledge to work with the legislature to provide reliable health care for the most vulnerable people in our population. Our health care system works better when all Californians have access to comprehensive healthcare including preventive treatment and well-patient checkups,” said Durazo. “I also want to express gratitude to Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) and Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno) for their leadership and the hundreds of health, immigrant rights and community advocates who have worked tirelessly to ensure that every Californian has comprehensive, affordable and accessible care.”

This measure will provide Medi-Cal benefits to approximately up to 30,000 low-income undocumented adults age 65 or older whose incomes are at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. This means that a senior in a single-person household would be eligible if their income is $16,754 or less.

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