16 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY AUGUST 6-12, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com Health Scare California nearly achieved universal health care. Now, millions are losing coverage. By Kristen Hwang FORUM Two years ago, California hit a milestone decades in the making: Nearly every person in the state qualified for health insurance, regardless of immigration status and income, pushing the state’s insured rate to a record 95 percent. Now, that progress is unraveling. Facing budget shortfalls and new federal restrictions, state leaders have begun rolling back the system they built. Analysis at the UC Berkeley Labor Center and UCLA Center for Health Policy Research project California’s uninsured rate could nearly double, to almost 15 percent, by 2030. “I knew it was going to be bad, but seeing that doubling was shocking to me,” says Miranda Dietz, director of the labor center’s health care program. An estimated 2.2 million people could lose insurance over the next four years from combined state and federal cuts. The losses will fall hardest on undocumented immigrants and low-income Californians, with the uninsured rate more than doubling among Black and Asian Californians. When the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010, California quickly expanded Medi-Cal. More than 5 million Californians gained coverage. An additional 1.7 million middle-income Californians bought insurance through the commercial Affordable Care Act marketplace known as Covered California. “That’s a huge policy change,” said Rachel Linn Gish, spokesperson for Health Access California, a consumer advocacy group. “Millions and millions and millions of Californians covered in 10 years. No other state can say that.” Gov. Gavin Newsom campaigned on a promise to bring single-payer health care to the state. He pivoted to expanding access within the existing system—transforming Medi-Cal with new benefits and a focus on high-quality primary care. His administration also launched the state’s second-largest coverage expansion, phasing in Medi-Cal eligibility for low-income undocumented immigrants. “We’re making sure universal access to health care becomes a reality here in California,” he said in 2022. At its peak, the state-funded expansion covered 1.4 million adults and 217,000 children and cost more than $10 billion a year. Republican lawmakers have sharply criticized that price tag, and increasingly, so have moderate Democrats. Medi-Cal spending has more than doubled since Newsom took office in 2019, growing from about $96 billion to $217 billion this year. The Legislative Analyst’s Office attributes most of that growth to higher spending per recipient rather than enrollment alone. People are seeing doctors more, and each visit is more expensive. The state froze enrollment for undocumented adults starting in January; roughly 86,000 fewer undocumented immigrants are now covered. Many Democrats blame President Donald Trump, whose One Big Beautiful Bill rewrote Medi-Cal rules. State officials estimate Medi-Cal could lose more than $30 billion annually once federal changes fully take effect in 2027. Kristen Hwang is a health reporter for CalMatters, where this story first appeared. OPINION “I knew it was going to be bad, but that was shocking.” Men, whats your mask? The mask you wear to act out your life instead of living it. The mask you're ready to take off. For 39 years Breakthrough has offered tools that help men create lasting change and form true friendships. Workshop Enrollment is open now Fall workshops start October 2026 Monterey, CA in person & Online everywhere Financial aid available Free weekly Men's Wisdom Circle Wednesdays on-line. “Breakthrough has been the single best decision of my adult life.” – Program Graduate M.C. Sign up at: breakthroughformen.org Insured by NCUA 1The dividend rate and Annual Percentage Yield (APY) are accurate as of 07/14/2026. The dividend rate and APY may change at any time. There is no minimum balance required to earn the stated APY. The minimum deposit for the 19-month certificate special is $500. The APY is based on an assumption that dividends will remain in the account until maturity. Any fee, withdrawal or transfer reduces earnings and there may be penalties for early withdrawal. This certificate is not extended to organization accounts. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Call 1-877-GOLDEN 1 (1-877-465-3361) for current rates. 0726-MTW Visit a branch, call 1-877-465-3361 or scan to learn more Limited-time offer 4.15% with a Term Savings Certificate Earn up to APY1
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