ST. PAUL – State Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent, is raising concerns after new data reveals enrollment in MinnesotaCare for undocumented immigrants has more than doubled initial estimates, sending program costs skyrocketing well beyond projections.
The expansion, passed by Democrats in 2023, was originally projected to cost $196 million over four years. With current enrollment, that cost has ballooned to an estimated $550 million and continues to grow. The Minnesota Department of Health indicates 17,396 undocumented individuals are now enrolled in the state-funded health insurance program, more than twice the original forecast of 7,700.
Swedzinski said that data was not made publicly available and only came to light after persistent inquiries by House Republicans.
“These numbers are really alarming,” Swedzinski said. “Minnesota families are already feeling the squeeze, and instead of focusing on the essential services people rely on, we’re pouring over half a billion dollars into a program that wasn’t honestly explained to the public from the beginning.”
Unlike traditional MinnesotaCare recipients, Swedzinski said undocumented immigrants are not eligible for federal funding support. Typically, the federal government covers 90 percent of program costs, with the state responsible for the remaining 10 percent. Because this population is ineligible for federal matching funds, Minnesota taxpayers are covering the full cost of their coverage.
At the same time, Minnesota faces a projected $6 billion budget deficit. Swedzinski warned that continued funding for the expansion could jeopardize other critical healthcare services such as ambulance operations, rural hospitals, and emergency care.
“Back when they had full control of the Capitol, Democrats decided to put the needs of those here illegally ahead of hardworking Minnesotans,” Swedzinski said. “House Republicans are focused on bringing common sense and fiscal responsibility back to the Capitol, starting with putting Minnesota taxpayers first and making sure our healthcare dollars are going where they’re truly needed.”
Republicans have introduced legislation to repeal the MinnesotaCare expansion for undocumented immigrants, citing the need to control costs and protect essential services. A full repeal would save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars over the next four years and reduce incentives for illegal immigration to the state, Swedzinski said.
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