Health Insurance for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Advances

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance policies are available only to citizens and legal immigrants.

However, a bill making its way through the California Legislature, would have the state ask the federal government for permission, to sell insurance to those in the state illegally.

The measure, written by Bell Gardens Democrat Ricardo Lara, who says it’s “absurd to deny anybody the opportunity to buy insurance through the state exchange.”

It’s cleared the Assembly Health Committee.

Meanwhile, Medi-Cal is preparing to extend coverage to recipients up to age 19, regardless of their immigration status, based on income.