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A somber scene of a homeless individual seeking shelter and state-funded services in a changing urban landscape.San Francisco Today
An investigation has revealed that California’s Medi-Cal program is providing full sex change treatments, including cross-sex hormones, breast implants, and preparation for genital surgeries, to homeless illegal aliens living in taxpayer-funded shelters in San Francisco. The shelters are housing undocumented immigrants from countries like Honduras, Mexico, El Salvador, and Venezuela while refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
Why it matters
This report highlights the ongoing debate around healthcare coverage and benefits for undocumented immigrants in California, as well as the broader issues of immigration policy, shelter services, and the use of taxpayer funds. It raises questions about the state’s priorities and the impact on both the immigrant community and the general public.
The details
At San Francisco’s largest shelter, MSC-South, reporters encountered multiple illegal aliens receiving state-funded sex change treatments. One resident, ‘Lyca,’ a Honduran identifying as a transgender woman, confirmed receiving cross-sex hormone therapy through Medi-Cal. Another resident, ‘Alondra,’ also from Honduras and claiming asylum, was offered taxpayer-funded rent assistance but declined due to ongoing costs. At the Embarcadero SAFE Navigation Center, a self-identified transgender ‘woman’ from Mexico named ‘Jacqueline’ openly discussed receiving hormone treatments and breast implants paid for by Medi-Cal.
In 2026, California expanded Medi-Cal to provide ‘full scope’ coverage to illegal aliens, including sex change procedures.The City Journal report was published on April 15, 2026.
The players
Medi-Cal
California’s state health care program that is providing coverage for sex change treatments for homeless illegal aliens.
Gavin Newsom
The Governor of California who expanded Medi-Cal to cover illegal immigrants, including for sex change procedures.
MSC-South
The largest homeless shelter in San Francisco, with a $66 million service contract, that is housing illegal aliens receiving state-funded transgender treatments.
Lyca
A Honduran resident of MSC-South identifying as a transgender woman who is receiving cross-sex hormone therapy through Medi-Cal.
Alondra
A resident of MSC-South from Honduras who claimed asylum and was offered taxpayer-funded rent assistance but declined due to ongoing costs.
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What they’re saying
“Tengo Medi-Cal”
— Lyca, Transgender resident of MSC-South shelter
“Even though you’re undocumented, you can get them”
— Jacqueline, Transgender resident of Embarcadero SAFE Navigation Center
What’s next
The California Department of Health Care Services and the shelters’ executive directors did not respond to requests for comment, so further reporting and investigation will be needed to uncover more details about this program and its policies.
The takeaway
This report highlights the ongoing debate around healthcare coverage and benefits for undocumented immigrants in California, as well as the broader issues of immigration policy, shelter services, and the use of taxpayer funds. It raises questions about the state’s priorities and the impact on both the immigrant community and the general public.