California Makes a Healthy Choice in Covering Kids

LOS ANGELES — Today, California began providing comprehensive health care to all children who meet income requirements, regardless of their immigration status. California is the largest state to enact such an immigrant-inclusive policy. Other states, including Washington and Illinois, currently provide all children with access to affordable care regardless of their immigration status. Below is a statement from Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center:

“This is a great day to be a Californian. All kids—regardless of where they were born or how much money their parents have—should be able to visit the doctor when they’re sick and have access to the medicines they need to stay strong. California took a giant step toward strengthening our future by allowing our youngest Californians to get the coverage they need to stay healthy.

“Parents should know that the information they provide in an online application is confidential and will not be shared with immigration authorities. Fear of attracting the attention of immigration enforcement should not deter parents from enrolling their children to get the care they need to stay healthy.

“Although California should be celebrated for covering all kids, the legislature has more work to do to achieve true health justice. We know that kids need healthy parents to have truly bright and secure futures. That’s why we are committed to fighting until we achieve #Health4All.”

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