GOP Attack Could Strip 3.4 Million Californians of Health Coverage

California stands as a beacon of health care access, offering coverage to millions who once went without. Yet, a Republican proposal in Congress, backed by the Trump Administration, threatens to unravel this progress. Up to 3.4 million Californians could lose their insurance, and the state faces a staggering $30 billion cut in federal funding. This plan attacks the heart of our safety net, risking hospital closures and leaving families vulnerable.

Governor Gavin Newsom has raised a fierce warning, calling the proposal a disaster that could collapse California’s health care system. The state has worked tirelessly to reduce its uninsured rate and expand care, but these cuts would undo years of effort. Why push a policy that hurts so many? It stems from a belief that slashing budgets matters more than saving lives, a stance that Californians cannot accept.

From Medi-Cal’s historic expansions to lower drug costs, California has shown what’s possible when a state prioritizes health care. This proposal punishes that leadership, slashing funds that keep clinics open and doctors paid. It’s a direct blow to the families and communities who rely on these services, and it demands our attention.

Picture a warehouse worker in Riverside, juggling bills and health issues, suddenly losing Medi-Cal due to new work rules. Or a farmworker in Salinas, denied care for a chronic illness because state funds for undocumented residents are cut. These are the human faces of the Republican plan, which would strip coverage from 3.4 million Californians, many through the Affordable Care Act’s expansion.

The proposal slashes $22 billion from Medicaid by imposing job requirements that ignore the realities of low-income life—unpredictable hours, caregiving duties, or health barriers. It also cuts $4 billion annually from states like California for covering undocumented residents, a move that punishes compassion. These aren’t just numbers; they’re people whose health and stability hang in the balance.

Hospitals, especially in rural areas, would face a breaking point. Without federal funds, many would close, leaving communities without care. Uncompensated care costs would spike, and the economic fallout—up to 217,000 lost jobs by 2026—would hit hard. This plan doesn’t just cut budgets; it dismantles lives.

Advocates for the Republican plan claim it’s about fiscal responsibility, arguing that Medicaid’s growth demands per-capita caps or block grants to give states flexibility. They say this would spur innovation and curb costs. But California’s health system depends on federal funds to function. Losing $10 billion to $20 billion annually would force brutal choices—cut services, raise taxes, or shrink eligibility. The outcome? More uninsured, shuttered clinics, and a weaker economy.

The Affordable Care Act and Medi-Cal’s expansions have slashed uninsured rates and improved health outcomes. Reversing these gains would flood emergency rooms, raise costs for all, and widen disparities. The GOP’s approach sacrifices proven success for ideological purity, ignoring evidence that access to care strengthens communities. Californians deserve better than this shortsighted vision.

California refuses to back down. Governor Newsom has made the state a pioneer, expanding Medi-Cal to all eligible low-income adults, regardless of immigration status. His administration has fought for cheaper drugs and protected reproductive care despite federal threats. These steps show a commitment to health care as a right, not a privilege, but they rely on federal support to endure.

The road ahead is tough. Proposed cuts could push California to scale back programs or find new funds, a challenge in a state already navigating budget constraints. But letting millions lose coverage or watching hospitals close isn’t an option. The state’s vision of care for all is worth fighting for, and it starts with rejecting this harmful plan.

This moment calls for action. The Republican proposal chooses politics over people, threatening a health care system that saves lives. What kind of future do we want? One where everyone has access to care, or one where millions are abandoned? California’s progress shows the path forward, and we must defend it.

Reach out to your representatives, share the stories of those who rely on Medi-Cal, and demand that Congress stop this plan. Together, we can protect the safety net that millions depend on and build a state where health care is guaranteed for all. The fight is now, and it starts with us.