Our Health, Our Future

On January 9th, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled his FY 2026-2027 state budget, which contains a shockingly cruel proposal to strip full-scope Medi-Cal from 200,000 immigrants, including refugees, asylees, domestic violence survivors, and holders of visas for crime victims.

Despite being framed as a response to federal changes from H.R. 1, California law has long required the state to provide full-scope Medi-Cal to these populations. Taking that away would go against decades of legal precedent and force individuals and families to lose access to doctors, mental health care, medications, and life-saving treatment – putting lives at risk.

In response to the Governor’s proposal, CPEHN has launched the “Our Health, Our Future” campaign demanding action from state legislators to protect H.R. 1 populations, reject harmful Medi-Cal cuts, and support real revenue solutions so California does not balance the budget on the backs of its most vulnerable communities.

We are also urging the Legislature to:

• Invest at least $4 million in one-time funding to bolster the urgent work of community health workers, promotoras/es, and representatives (CHW/P/Rs) to help them keep communities connected to care as the Medi-Cal system rapidly changes.
  
• Act to reverse the scheduled July 1, 2026 elimination of full-scope adult dental benefits for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status (UIS).

CPEHN Statement on FY 26-27 Budget

FY 26-27 State Budget Analysis

H.R. 1 Immigrant Exclusions Fact Sheet

CHW/P/R Budget Backgrounder