California Department of Health Care Services

A watchdog alleges that illegal immigrants in California's homeless shelters are receiving taxpayer-funded transgender medical procedures via Medi-Cal. California's Medicaid program, expanded by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2024, covers gender-affirming care for approximately 1.7 million illegal immigrants, sparking political backlash and claims of 'medically necessary' treatment criteria. The state's health department disputes the allegations, stating strict eligibility requirements apply.

A watchdog alleges illegal immigrants in California homeless shelters accessed taxpayer-funded gender-affirming care, including sex change procedures and breast implants, through the Medi-Cal program. California's Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) disputes these claims, stating coverage is only provided if deemed medically necessary under strict eligibility criteria. Governor Gavin Newsom expanded Medi-Cal to all immigrants in 2024, sparking political backlash.

Five individuals were arrested in a $267M hospice fraud scheme targeting California's Medi-Cal system, with 21 total charges linked to fraudulent billing and stolen identities. The investigation, dubbed 'Operation Skip Trace,' uncovered a network using fake records and shell companies to defraud Medicaid.