Free Health Care for Illegal Immigrants Could Cost California Billions Per Year

The newly enacted state law could cost taxpayers between $3 billion and $6 billion per year, according to recent estimates by state and federal lawmakers.

U.S. Border Patrol agents check identification papers of illegal immigrants before they are transported to a Border Patrol processing center in Jacumba Hot Springs, Calif., on Dec. 1, 2023. Mario Tama/Getty Images

Newly enacted state law providing free health care for all illegal immigrants residing in California could cost taxpayers between $3 billion and $6 billion per year, according to recent estimates by state and federal lawmakers.

With expectations for nearly 700,000 individuals to gain access to the new benefits, estimates vary depending on how many people enroll and the number and type of medical services covered.