Newsom signs law expanding Medi-Cal to undocumented Californians over age of 50
By Mary Stringini
FRESNO, Calif. - Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday signed a first-in-the-nation law, expanding full-scope Medi-Cal eligibility to low-income adults 50 years of age or older, regardless of immigration status.
Newsom's office called the new legislation "a major milestone in the state’s progress toward universal health coverage."
Under AB 133, approximately 235,000 Californians aged 50 years and older are newly eligible for Medi-Cal, including preventive services, long-term care and In-Home Supportive Services.
Seniors who are eligible can apply in May.
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"We’re investing California’s historic surplus to accomplish transformative changes we've long dreamed of – including this historic Medi-Cal expansion to ensure thousands of older undocumented Californians, many of whom have been serving on the front lines of the pandemic, can access critical health care services," said Governor Newsom. "I thank the Legislature for its steadfast partnership to bring California closer to universal health care coverage and advance comprehensive initiatives to ensure California’s communities come back from the pandemic stronger and healthier than before."