California Governor Gavin Newsom is proposing a $300 million state-funded subsidy program to expand financial help for Covered California enrollees, targeting 218,000 additional low-income residents. - The plan would assist individuals earning up to $31,920 and families of four earning up to $66,000.
- It aims to offset the expiration of federal enhanced subsidies, which left a $2.5 billion gap. - Critics argue subsidies inflate costs, while supporters say they prevent coverage loss and medical debt.
The proposal is under debate in the Democratic-controlled legislature and would make California's program among the most generous nationally.