The Los Angeles Times reported that last year, California became the first state to provide illegal aliens with free health care coverage.

Yet although that move was signed into law by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, he recently decided to reverse course. 

Budget proposal would block illegal aliens from enrolling in Medi-Cal

According to CalMatters, Newsom’s 2025-26 revised budget proposal will bar migrants who are over the age of 19 from enrolling in Medi-Cal.

What's more, those illegal aliens who are currently participating in the program will be forced to pay a $100 monthly premium going forward.

The proposed change would take effect on the first of next year and is expected to save California taxpayers approximately $5 billion.

The Los Angeles Times noted that Newsom's support for providing health coverage to illegal aliens was widely embraced by Democratic lawmakers.

"Medi-Cal expansion is something that Gov. Newsom has really been proud of"

Those proponents included Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg), Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), and Budget Chair Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco).

"Here in the Golden State, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring millions of Californians have the healthcare coverage they need to thrive," they said in a joint statement.

"That access to healthcare is being threatened by skyrocketing healthcare costs across the nation, and even more by the dangerous cuts threatened by President Trump and Congressional Republicans that will impact the lives of tens of millions across this country," the lawmakers added.

Meanwhile, California Immigrant Policy Center analyst Carlos Alarcon observed how "Medi-Cal expansion is something that Gov. Newsom has really been proud of."

GOP leader compares governor to a "degenerate brother-in-law"

The governor's about face on Medi-Cal expansion has met with mockery on social media from GOP state Assembly Leader James Gallagher.

Newsom has literally become that degenerate brother-in-law who squanders his money and then comes back asking for a loan.

You know the one who still lives at mom’s house apparently doing podcasts from the basement.

— James Gallagher (@J_GallagherAD3) March 13, 2025

"Newsom has literally become that degenerate brother-in-law who squanders his money and then comes back asking for a loan," Gallagher wrote on Tuesday.

"You know the one who still lives at mom’s house apparently doing podcasts from the basement," the legislator went on to add.