Undocumented applications for free state health care by Minnesota residents exceed expectations.
The application is three times more likely than the lawmakers to be expected in the first year.
Some lawmakers are pushing for the expansion of free state healthcare.
“The program creates an incentive for illegal immigrants to come to Minnesota,” said Sen. Jordan Rasmusson of R-Fergus Falls.
In 2023, Minnesota's Department of Human Services predicted that 5,800 undocumented residents would apply to $220 million taxpayers at a cost over four years. So far, 17,400 people have been applied, with an estimated four-year cost of over $600 million.
“This is the closest thing you can see in treason when taxpayer dollars fund people illegally here,” said Rep. Isaac Schultz, town of R-Elmwood.
This leads to some DFL lawmakers saying that to balance the budget, cuts will be needed to increase funding for the state's disability and nursing home programs. But DFL lawmakers say health care for undocumented people is not handouts.
“What we did two years ago is that we see the need, so make sure we add to our health insurance. These people are contributing to our economy, contributing to our society, and taxpayers.”
Erin Murphy, the leader of the DFL Senators' majority leader, warns that cutting undocumented care will “have financial harm and will sacrifice people more in the form of increased premiums and uncompensated care.”
With Democrats who control the Senate and the House, it is very unlikely that Minnesota Legislature will roll back services for those undocumented, but we expect it to continue to lift it as Republicans see it as a matter of victory with voters.
Minnesota doctors and hospitals say they are continuing emergency room visits, supporting health care for undocumented individuals.
A bill that would eliminate the state's interests of undocumented people is under consideration in the Minnesota Legislature.
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