California Medi-Cal cuts threaten coverage for millions

California recently achieved near‑universal health coverage, with 95% of residents insured regardless of immigration status or income. New budget shortfalls and federal restrictions are now prompting the state to roll back the program. Analysts from the UC Berkeley Labor Center and UCLA Center for Health Policy Research estimate that up to 2.2 million Californians could lose Medi‑Cal coverage over the next four years, potentially raising the uninsured rate to almost 15% by 2030. The losses would fall hardest on undocumented immigrants, low‑income residents, and Black and Asian Californians, especially in the state’s southern regions.

The cuts have already spurred action on the ground. St. John’s Community Health, a network of clinics in South Los Angeles led by President and CEO Jim Mangia, publicly opposed the funding reductions, publishing termination letters and defending care for transgender patients and other marginalized groups. The organization also assisted Attorney General Rob Bonta in recovering funds the Trump administration sought to cut. Interviews with patients highlight the personal impact of losing Medi‑Cal, underscoring the broader health‑security stakes for millions of Californians.