Supreme Court Decision Deals Blow to Health Coverage Efforts in California

“The Supreme Court decision Thursday effectively blocking President Obama’s immigration programs also comes as a blow to California legislators who have been fighting to offer health insurance to people living in the country illegally. Immigrants living in the U.S. without authorization can’t enroll in Obamacare and make up a large portion of those who remain uninsured in California. But an unusual state policy allows those granted temporary relief from deportation to sign up for Medi-Cal, the state’s low-income health program. “

“If the court had upheld the deferred action programs, more than half a million unauthorized immigrants in California could have become eligible for state-funded health insurance, according to UC Berkeley and UCLA researchers. Daniel Zingale, senior vice president of the nonprofit California Endowment, said he was disappointed that thousands would not be gaining health insurance, but said he was hopeful that the decision “will ultimately result in health justice for all.”

Read the full article: Supreme Court decision deals blow to health coverage efforts in California