Children’s Health Advocates Applaud Obama’s Action On Immigration

Children’s Health Advocates Applaud Obama’s Action On Immigration

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Children’s Health Coverage Coalition applauds President Obama for his Executive Action on immigration that will allow millions of parents to stay with their children. While keeping families together nationwide, the action also opens the door for some immigrant families in California to obtain health coverage. Under current California law, lawfully present immigrants who are low-income are eligible for state-funded Medi-Cal.

One in six children in California has an undocumented parent. As many as 80% of those children are estimated to be citizens– yet they may not have health coverage because undocumented parents may not feel comfortable accessing the coverage and care their children are eligible to receive. Children of undocumented immigrants are twice as likely to lack health insurance as children born as citizens.

“This is a historic step forward for the health and security of America’s immigrant families,” said Wendy Lazarus, Founder & Co-President of The Children’s Partnership. “Thanks to the President’s Executive Action, we have removed a huge barrier for children who are eligible but not enrolled in health coverage. We know that when parents are not afraid of being deported, most want to sign up their children for coverage, and, as a result, the wellbeing of children across California improves.”

“The President’s action is in the right direction for California’s families. It is a direction we have long advocated for, and it will help affordably meet the immediate and preventive health needs of many in California. This means peace of mind for families and greater fiscal stability for our state moving forward,” stated Suzie Shupe, Executive Director of California Coverage & Health Initiatives.

“President Obama’s decision is a great boost to our efforts to maximize enrollment, and to eventually offer health coverage to all Californians, regardless of immigration status,” added Ted Lempert, President of Children Now. 

“By bringing hundreds of thousands of immigrant parents and family members in California out of the shadows, the Executive Action will greatly enhance the stability, unity, and health of California families,” said Alex Johnson, Executive Director of Children’s Defense Fund – California. “We know that children need healthy parents, and expanding access to health coverage for parents will improve the health and well-being of their children.”

“President Obama’s announcement is a huge win for the over two million aspiring Americans living in the state of California who may be impacted, in some way, by this Executive Action. Congress certainly has more work to do to ensure a permanent pathway to citizenship.  However, we are encouraged that this Executive Action will allow many families to stay together and stay healthy,” reflected Corey Timpson, Director or PICO California.

The Children’s Health Coverage Coalition is monitoring how this Executive Action will impact the effort by Senator Ricardo Lara to expand health coverage for all when the new legislature reconvenes.

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