Rapper 50 Cent, who recently declared, ‘I do not identify as a person anymore,’ is taking issue with California’s decision to provide free health care to immigrants living illegally.
Is Free Healthcare for Everyone?
On his Instagram this Wednesday, 50 Cent expressed his confusion about California’s new plan to offer universal health care to all its residents, estimated at 39 million, including undocumented individuals.
Ethics vs. Efficiency
He posted a screenshot of a news article and questioned the $2.6 billion price tag, highlighting that even veterans don’t receive health insurance.
In his caption, he reached out to MSNBC journalist Ari Melber for clarification, writing, “I don’t understand this, this it going to cost 2.6 billion dollars for tax payers. They don’t even give veterans health insurance. @arimelber call my phone now, help me understand this s**t. WTF.”
Hip-Hop Voices in Political Arena
Jackson joins a list of prominent rappers who have recently expressed criticism towards Democrats. In October, rapper Sexyy Red voiced her support for former President Donald Trump, noting his popularity in the hood.
50 Cent’s Trump Endorsement
50 Cent has a history of weighing in on sociopolitical issues. Back in 2020, he controversially endorsed Donald Trump for President, despite his conviction that Trump is not a fan of Black people.
He expressed his shock on social media, saying, “WHAT THE F**k! (VOTE For TRUMP) IM OUT. F**k NEW YORK The KNICKS never win anyway. I don’t care Trump doesn’t like black people 62 percent are you out of ya f**king mind.”
Historic Health Move
On the first Monday of the year, January 1, California made history by becoming the first state in the nation to extend health insurance to undocumented immigrants. Effective from January 1, this law enables 700,000 out of the state’s 39 million residents to gain insurance coverage.
$3.1B Price Tag
This effort to benefit undocumented immigrants does not come with its own set of challenges including a substantial yearly cost of approximately $3.1 billion for the state.
Healthcare for All
Governor Gavin Newsom, along with other Democratic lawmakers, agreed in 2022 to provide health care to all low-income adults in California without considering their immigration status.
This initiative was incorporated into the state’s Medicaid program, Medi-Cal.
“Transformative” Health Step
At the time of proposing these changes two years ago, Governor Newsom described this historic, unprecedented decision as “a transformative step towards strengthening the health care system for all Californians”
From Surplus to $68B Deficit
Perhaps the commitment was influenced by the unprecedented surge in finances. Governor Newsom made this promise during a period of historic budget surplus for the state. But now, with the program’s initiation just around the corner, California is confronted with a staggering $68 billion budget deficit, casting doubts and raising concerns about the financial feasibility of the expansion and its potential consequences as it takes effect.
“It doesn’t make sense”
Republican Senator Roger Niello, the vice-chair of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee, expressed skepticism about the fiscal implications of the expansion, stating, “Regardless of what your position is on this, it doesn’t make sense for us to be adding to our deficit.”
Largest Healthcare Growth
California is set to experience its largest healthcare expansion since 2014, following the implementation of the Affordable Care Act by former President Barack Obama. This earlier act enabled states to incorporate adults earning below 138% of the federal poverty level into their Medicaid programs. As a result, California’s uninsured rate plummeted from approximately 17% to 7%.
Decade-Long Fight Pays Off
Despite skepticism, immigration and healthcare advocates, who have been campaigning for over a decade for these changes, believe that the expansion will not only close a critical gap in healthcare access but also be financially beneficial for the state in the long term.
“It’s a win-win”
They point out that individuals living in California without legal status often forgo or delay medical care due to lack of coverage, leading to higher costs when they require emergency room treatment.
Dr. Efrain Talamantes, COO of AltaMed in Los Angeles, California’s largest federally qualified health center, confidently says: “It’s a win-win.”
More from AllThingsFinance: Court Finally Unseals Secretive Case of Jan 6 Offender
Samuel Lazar sentenced for Jan. 6 insurrection; previously confidential case now revealed: Court Finally Unseals Secretive Case of Jan 6 Offender
Jack Smith continues pushing Judge Cannon, reminding her that “the speedy trial clock” is ticking
Jack Smith urges Judge Aileen Cannon for a speedy trial in a classified documents case involving ex-President Trump: Jack Smith continues pushing Judge Cannon, reminding her that “the speedy trial clock” is ticking
Defamation lawsuit against Kari Lake advances while people compare her to Rudy Giuliani
Kari Lake loses First Amendment right to accuse Maricopa County recorder; Arizona Republic ponders if she’s channeling Rudy Giuliani in her sleep : Defamation lawsuit against Kari Lake advances while people compare her to Rudy Giuliani
More Democrats are flipping in a crucial swing state than Republicans
In Pennsylvania, a significant number of registered Democrats flipping is sending an unflattering signal to President Biden: More Democrats are flipping in a crucial swing state than Republicans
