Bill > AJR4

This joint resolution highlights significant concerns about the fiscal sustainability of California's Medi-Cal program, which is the state's Medicaid healthcare coverage for low-income residents. The resolution notes that General Fund spending on Medi-Cal has nearly doubled to $42.1 billion over six years, with total program spending growing to $188.1 billion, and that nearly half of this growth results from extending full-scope medical coverage to undocumented immigrants. The resolution specifically points out an unanticipated $2.8 billion increase in providing healthcare to undocumented immigrants, bringing total costs to $9.5 billion, and expresses concern that this expansion is diverting resources from other critical support programs for vulnerable populations like foster youth, elderly, veterans, and people with disabilities. Moreover, the resolution calls upon the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to conduct a comprehensive audit of the Medi-Cal program to help restore its fiscal health, arguing that the complex funding structure—which comingles federal funds with state General Fund and special funds—makes it difficult to track payments and ensure compliance. The resolution also instructs the Chief Clerk of the Assembly to distribute copies of this resolution to key federal and state officials, including the President, Vice President, congressional representatives, Governor, and Attorney General.