From 1 January 2024, California is set to become the first US state to offer health insurance to all undocumented immigrants up to the age of 50, provided they meet certain income requirements and have resided in the state since 2014. This expansion of the Affordable Care Act will be funded by an estimated $2.6bn annual tax rise. The move aims to close the healthcare access gap for approximately 700,000 immigrants, considering healthcare as a human right. However, critics suggest it could exacerbate healthcare shortages and put additional strain on taxpayers. California is currently tackling a $68bn deficit.