CalOptima, Orange Countys health program for low-income residents, has seen a significant drop in members since the start of the year, with over 26,500 people leaving the program. The Trump administrations federal changes, including data sharing with immigration enforcement and cuts from the tax bill, have contributed to this decline. California expanded Medi-Cal to cover undocumented adults in 2024, but recent state budget limits have frozen new sign-ups for undocumented adults over 18, leading to concerns about increased uninsured patients seeking care at community clinics and emergency rooms. Advocates worry about a surge in uninsured patients, while CalOptima notes that the freeze affects only a small group and many losses came from routine eligibility checks. Looking ahead, work or volunteer requirements will kick in for adults aged 19-64 in 2027, and reports predict that three million Californians, including 250,000 in Orange County, could lose Medi-Cal by 2028. Officials are pushing Covered California plans as a cheaper alternative.
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