Republicans Push to Cut Medicaid for Illegal Immigrants

GOP Lawmakers Renew Push to Limit Medicaid for Undocumented Immigrants

Republican legislators are reigniting efforts to restrict undocumented immigrants from accessing Medicaid, proposing federal legislation that would bar states from using federal funds for such health care services.

The newly reintroduced Protect Medicaid Act would require that any state offering Medicaid to undocumented immigrants must fund it using their own budget, without federal taxpayer assistance. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana led the charge, co-sponsored by Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, and John Barrasso of Wyoming. Jack Gruber, Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Cassidy Cites Medical Experience, Warns of Immigration 'Magnet' Effect

“We should focus on making America healthy again instead of straining our medical system and burdening American taxpayers,” Cassidy said, adding, “Working as a doctor in California, I saw that free health care is a magnet for illegal immigration.” CBP Photography / Wikimedia

House Companion Bill Introduced by Rep. Hudson to Safeguard Medicaid

Representative Richard Hudson of North Carolina has introduced companion legislation in the House, voicing concern about Medicaid’s viability for vulnerable Americans. “What I'm concerned about is the folks who depend on Medicaid… it’s a lifeline for vulnerable Americans, like seniors in nursing care, individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, children living below poverty,” Hudson told Newsweek.

“I'm open to making the policy the best we can, but again, my goals are saving the taxpayers money, preserving Medicaid for those who are vulnerable…” Hudson emphasized the need to “defend the taxpayers,” adding, “Their money is not intended to go to this. In fact, it's illegal to spend the money on these illegal immigrants. This could make a real difference to hard working Americans, it could help them.” United States Congress / Wikimedia

Political Divide Sharpens Over Medicaid Access and Immigrant Care

Republicans frame the legislation as fiscally responsible and necessary to protect Medicaid for legal residents. However, Democrats argue the GOP’s moves amount to cruel cuts that endanger millions who rely on the program.

Representative Adriano Espaillat, a Democrat from New York, denounced the initiative, releasing a statement saying, “We stand united against the Republican budget that slashes at least $1 trillion from Medicaid, threatening 80 million.” US House of Representatives / Wikimedia

CBO: Undocumented Emergency Medicaid Only 0.4% of 2023 Spending

According to the Congressional Budget Office, Emergency Medicaid spending for undocumented immigrants was only 0.4% of Medicaid’s total expenditures in 2023, amounting to $3.8 billion. Additional legislation includes the No Medicaid for Illegal Immigrants Act, spearheaded by Representative Kevin Kiley of California, who claims it will save billions.

“This common sense legislation ensures that taxpayer-funded healthcare benefits are preserved for those who lawfully qualify,” Kiley stated. “Governor Newsom's reckless policy of offering Medi-Cal to every illegal immigrant in the state is jeopardizing access for legal California residents.” United States Congress / Wikimedia

California Faces Budget Shortfall Amid Expanding Medi-Cal Program

California, facing a projected $6.2 billion Medicaid shortfall for 2025, recently expanded Medi-Cal—its version of Medicaid—to all low-income adults, regardless of immigration status. That expansion cost the state $2.7 billion more than budgeted.

California Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones criticized the move, telling Newsweek, “California taxpayers have already been forced to cover over $8.5 billion for this program this year alone… This is completely unsustainable.” He continued, “Let’s be clear: Health coverage does not mean access to care. As Newsom expands Medi-Cal beyond its limits, everyone suffers from diminishing care—including the most vulnerable in our communities, such as the elderly and veterans.”

Jones accused Democrats and Governor Newsom of prioritizing undocumented immigrants over citizens and legal residents, asserting, “We need to immediately stop new enrollments of illegal immigrants and get Medi-Cal back on track to serve the people it was meant for.” Lorie Leilani Shelley for the California Senate Rules Committee / Wikimedia

Statewide Medi-Cal Expansion Provides Coverage to Undocumented Adults

California began extending health care benefits to undocumented children in 2015, later expanding to young adults, older adults, and most recently, to all adults aged 26 to 49. The state has not released exact enrollment numbers, but last year officials estimated that around 700,000 undocumented residents would gain full health coverage under the expansion. Aerra Carnicom / Wikimedia

Arizona Considers Tracking Hospital Costs Linked to Undocumented Care

Meanwhile, Arizona is considering legislation to track the costs of caring for undocumented migrants. State Senate Bill 1268 would require hospital forms to include questions about immigration status and require state officials to report taxpayer expenses related to undocumented patients.

“This is a bill that I have run to promote accountability. It in no way compromises a person’s ability to be served and treated at a hospital,” said State Senator Wendy Rogers, the bill’s sponsor, during a floor speech. The measure has passed both chambers and now awaits action from Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia

Texas Mandates Hospitals Report Costs for Undocumented Patients

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott last year signed an executive order mandating that hospitals collect and report the costs of treating undocumented migrants. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is now tasked with delivering quarterly and annual reports assessing the financial burden on the public hospital system.

“Texans should not have to shoulder the burden of financially supporting medical care for illegal immigrants,” Abbott said. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

National Medicaid Debate Intensifies Along Partisan Lines

As Republican lawmakers across the U.S. continue to push for legislation restricting health care access for undocumented migrants, the debate surrounding Medicaid and the financial burden it places on taxpayers ramps up.

While GOP officials argue that these measures are necessary to preserve resources for American citizens and legal residents, Democrats strongly oppose such cuts, warning that they will harm vulnerable populations who rely on Medicaid for essential health care.

As the legislative battle continues to unfold, the future of health care for undocumented migrants hangs in the balance. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services / Wikimedia