California is spending billions more than expected on Medi-Cal for coverage expansions that benefit immigrant households.

Almost 15 million Californians have health care coverage through Medi-Cal, a program that stands to lose billions of dollars if Republicans follow through on proposed cuts.

Regional Medical Center is owned by for-profit HCA Healthcare, which earlier this month closed East San Jose's only Level II Trauma Center, citing financial pressure. The county pledged to keep it open if the hospital becomes part of the Santa Clara Valley Healthcare System.

The federal government suspended an annual Medicaid renewal requirement during COVID-19. Now that it has resumed, many Californians are losing coverage for procedural reasons.

As the state verifies eligibility for its Medicaid program after a pandemic pause, up to 2.8 million Californians could be kicked off the rolls.

With some Medi-Cal enrollees no longer qualifying or unaware they need to renew their coverage, officials estimate 2 million to 3 million people could lose their health insurance.

The California Legislature has approved several Medi-Cal budget items that would remove barriers to care, such as the asset rule. Now it’s negotiating with the governor.