St. Paul, MN – Rep. Jeff Backer (R-Browns Valley) is sounding the alarm over the skyrocketing cost of taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants in Minnesota, a program that has already more than doubled its original enrollment projections and threatens critical services for hardworking law-abiding Minnesotans.
According to data recently confirmed by the Minnesota Department of Health, 17,396 illegal immigrants are currently enrolled in MinnesotaCare—more than twice the original estimate of 7,700. These enrollment figures were not made public until House Republicans repeatedly demanded transparency and finally received confirmation via email earlier this month.
In 2023, the Democrat Trifecta pushed through an unprecedented expansion of MinnesotaCare to include illegal immigrants. MinnesotaCare was originally designed as a safety net for low-income individuals and families who lack access to employer-sponsored insurance and do not qualify for Medical Assistance (MA). The program was initially projected to cost $196 million over four years. However, with enrollment numbers far exceeding expectations, that cost has now ballooned to an estimated $550 million and climbing.
Unlike other enrollees in MinnesotaCare—where the federal government typically covers up to 90% of the cost—illegal immigrants are ineligible for federal funding. That means Minnesota taxpayers are footing 100% of the bill for this expansion.
This explosive cost comes at a time when Minnesota is facing a $6 billion budget deficit. House Republicans argue that Democrats continued push to prioritize benefits for those who have broken federal immigration laws is coming at the direct expense of services that Minnesotans rely on, including funding for ambulance services, hospitals, seniors, and other critical health care programs.
“This is not just a fiscal issue, it’s a values issue,” said Backer. “Democrats are prioritizing illegal immigrants over the health of hardworking law-abiding Minnesotans.”
During the final four weeks of session, House Republicans are prioritizing what matters most—your healthcare. That means strengthening essential services like EMS, hospitals, dental care, and senior care—services that will be put at risk if Minnesota continues to fund free healthcare for illegal immigrants using taxpayer dollars.