California lawmakers are mulling legislation to allow immigrants without legal status to purchase health insurance on Covered California, the state's ACA Exchange, the Sacramento Bee reported Feb. 24.
The state provides Medicaid to undocumented residents, but those making too much income to qualify for the program can be left without any options for coverage.
California state assembly member Joaquin Arambula introduced the bill, which would direct the state to ask the federal government to authorize allowing immigrants without permanent legal status to purchase coverage on the exchange.
Mr. Arambula, a Democrat, told the Sacramento Bee he intends to push for state subsidies for the coverage once approved by the federal government.
The bill could be a test of California Gov. Gavin Newsom's pledge to implement universal health coverage in the state, the outlet reported.
Mark Ghaly, MD, Mr. Newson's health secretary, told the Sacramento Bee expanding coverage for the state's 3 million uninsured residents will be "one of the most important next issues that we take on."
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