California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) wants to use federal healthcare funds to cover at least six months of rent for the state’s homeless population under Medi-Cal, California’s version of Medicaid. Newsom and proponents of the aid argue the measure would save taxpayers money instead of paying more into California’s institutional care in hospitals, nursing homes, and jails. However, insurers argue it would not save the state money, while healthcare officials point to California’s affordable housing crisis as another significant issue.
