California Legislature approves bill to open state health exchange to immigrants

With the approval of the bill, SB10 now passes Gov. Jerry Brown for his final approval for implementation

Life & Health

By Lyle Adriano

On Thursday, California Legislature approved SB10 on a 27-8 vote; the bill would allow the sale of health insurance on Covered California to individuals who cannot prove that they are in the country legally, reported the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

The bill now passes to Gov. Jerry Brown for final approval.

Immigrants who cannot prove their legal presence are normally not eligible for subsidies that are available to legal residents. They are, however, allowed to purchase health coverage from a broker or an insurer regardless of their immigration status.

Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) explained that selling policies through Covered California will help families with mixed immigration status.

Critics of the bill said that legislators should focus on problems affecting American citizens.

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