THE CALIFORNIA ENDOWMENT APPLAUDS GOVERNOR BROWN, LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP FOR CALIFORNIA’S FIRST EVER
“HEALTH FOR ALL KIDS” STATE BUDGET
$40 Million Allocated for Medi-Cal Coverage for Undocumented Children;
The Endowment Pledges More Work to be Done to Cover All Californians
Sacramento, Calif., (June 24, 2015) – The California Endowment commends Governor Jerry Brown, along with Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Léon and Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, for a budget deal that expands access to health coverage for undocumented Californians, specifically 170,000 children. The Endowment recognizes the leadership of Senator Ricardo Lara and the strong network of advocates working on behalf of undocumented Californians. The effort to expand all Californians’ access to affordable, quality health care in California – regardless of immigration status – is not over.
“California and Governor Brown have turned an important and historic page on a dark recent past with respect to undocumented residents, starting with California’s kids. State leaders are beginning to understand that health care is a basic human right, and recognizes the value of prevention and the positive fiscal impacts that come from giving everyone access to quality, affordable health care,” said Daniel Zingale, Senior Vice President for The California Endowment. “While this budget represents a high benchmark for California, our fight for health for all has a long way to go. Too many people are still locked out, and we will continue pushing for a healthier future for everyone.”
The budget allocates $40 million from the General Fund to provide Medi-Cal coverage for all eligible children, regardless of immigration status. The program is set to begin no sooner than May 1, 2016.
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About The California Endowment
The California Endowment, a private, statewide health foundation, was established in 1996 to expand access to, quality health care for underserved individuals and communities, and to promote fundamental affordable improvements in the health status of all Californians. Headquartered in downtown Los Angeles, The Endowment has regional offices in Sacramento, Oakland, Fresno and San Diego, with program staff working throughout the state. The Endowment challenges the conventional wisdom that medical settings and individual choices are solely responsible for people's health. Through its ‘Health Happens Here’ campaign and ten-year initiative for Building Healthy Communities, The Endowment is creating places where children are healthy, safe and ready to learn. At its core, The Endowment believes that health happens in neighborhoods, schools, and with prevention. For more information, visit The California Endowment’s homepage at www.calendow.org
About #Health4All
The California Endowment’s #Health4All campaign highlights the important contributions of undocumented Californians to our state’s communities and economy, while raising awareness of their lack of access to affordable health care coverage. Though the Affordable Care Act has helped millions of Californians gain health insurance, over 1.4 million undocumented Californians will remain uninsured. Undocumented Californians are students, mothers, fathers, neighbors and community members. Together, they contribute $300 billion to our state’s economy and are an essential part of the workforce. The #Health4All campaign is helping to drive a dialogue to move our health care system to one that is inclusive of all Californians, regardless of their immigration status. To join the conversation, use #health4all or visit www.health4allca.org.
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