California’s former Health and Human Services Secretary, Xavier Becerra, has raised concerns about the state’s Medicaid program, known as Medi-Cal. He highlighted the rising costs tied to the program, particularly due to the inclusion of undocumented immigrants. In a recent interview, Becerra discussed how these costs could force the state to reconsider its approach to Medicaid.
Becerra, who is also running for governor, stated that California needs to evaluate its spending on Medi-Cal, especially as the program’s costs have ballooned from an initial estimate of $6 billion to a staggering $9.5 billion this fiscal year. The state has requested loans totaling $6.2 billion to help cover these expenses.
During his interview with Fox 11 Los Angeles, Becerra acknowledged that while allowing undocumented individuals to enroll in Medi-Cal is part of the issue, it is not the sole factor driving up costs. He emphasized the need for a balanced budget and realistic fiscal decisions. "If we can’t afford it, we have to be realistic," he said, indicating that financial constraints must guide any future expansions of the program.
Becerra’s comments come as Governor Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited and will leave office in January 2027, faces pressure to address the rising costs associated with Medi-Cal. Newsom’s office has indicated that they will work to rein in long-term spending while protecting essential health services for Californians. A spokesperson for Newsom noted that rising costs have also been observed in other states that do not allow undocumented immigrants to enroll in Medicaid.
Republican leaders have criticized the decision to include undocumented immigrants in the program, arguing that it places an unfair financial burden on legal residents. California Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones pointed out that even former Governor Jerry Brown hesitated to expand Medi-Cal under similar circumstances, citing fiscal responsibility.
As the 2026 California governor’s race heats up, Becerra is not the only candidate addressing these issues. Other prominent figures, including former Rep. Katie Porter and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, are also in the running. The competition is expected to be fierce, especially with speculation that former Vice President Kamala Harris may seek to re-enter politics by running for governor.
As California grapples with these challenges, the future of Medi-Cal and its impact on the state’s budget will likely be a key issue in the upcoming election.