When Obamacare becomes law in 2014, over five million previously uninsured Californians will have access to affordable, preventive health care. But at least one group estimates more than three million Californians will remain uninsured after the law is implemented, including nearly one million undocumented Californians.
Actually, the latter number may be higher. According to the Pew Hispanic Center, California has an estimated 2.5 million undocumented immigrants, about 7 percent of the population. Undocumented immigrants make up 10 percent of the California workforce, according to Pew.
This week, the Sacramento Bee reports that California Endowment, a statewide health-care foundation, has launched a television advertising campaign in the Bay Area and other areas "to push for preventive care and a strong safety net for undocumented immigrants or other residents who cannot afford private health insurance."
The 60 second ad - attached to this article - features several undocumented immigrants that speak directly into the camera.
"Now our country has said 'Everyone should have affordable health care,'" says one. "Does that mean everyone, everyone? Does that include me?"
Daniel Zingale is the senior vice president at the California Endowment, sponsor of the ad.
"Regardless of your view on immigration policy, those undocumented people are part of our economy and part of our state," Zingale told the Bee.
In an editorial Zingale posted on the Bee, he said:
"Californians collectively foot the bill. The cost gets passed on to all of us in the form of uncompensated care and higher insurance premiums.
We need a cost-effective, efficient, and humane way for all Californians ... to access basic health care services and preventive care that provides checkups and screenings to catch problems before they become crises. It might cost $30 to get a flu shot. But end up in the hospital with influenza and we'll pay thousands."
Santa Clara County has its own low income health program called Valley Care. A similar program in Santa Cruz County is called MediCruz Advantage. In both programs, participants must be legal permanent residents (at least 5 years) or a U.S. citizen.
When news of the television campaign got out, comments from Internet readers varied:
"If you are undocumented, you are here illegally. Therefore, our country and it's Citizens owe you nothing. If you avoid being caught and happen to find a job (which is also illegal) you should pay for your own healthcare. If you can't afford it, then you should not receive it." - Mike
"Hmm... I'm currently a legal citizen of California who cannot afford health insurance. Maybe I'll move to Mexico, renounce my American citizenship, reenter as an illegal immigrant and get health insurance for free." - sacbeereader9996
But not all comments were negative.
"This is so right on! Everybody needs access to health care, not just the fortunate. These individuals work hard and pay taxes. It's time for us as a country to be honest about this and stop blaming undocumented immigrants for all the problems we are facing." - Jeffrey
What do you think? Should undocumented immigrants in California be given taxpayer funded healthcare benefits if they can not afford private health insurance? Do those who currently pay healthcare premiums ultimately spend more in healthcare costs if basic care is not provided to those who can not afford it? Or should legal residency be required of a person before granting them any benefits?
Tell us in your comments. Then vote in our poll.