ST. PAUL – State Rep. Walter Hudson, R-Albertville, 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 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. 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.
Hudson said that data was not made publicly available and only came to light after persistent inquiries by House Republicans.
“Taxpayers deserve honesty, accountability, and some good old-fashioned common sense,” Hudson said. “Unfortunately, Democrats completely abandoned those priorities when they had full control of the Capitol and now Minnesotans are suffering the consequences. We need a major course correction in our state to make sure Minnesotans are the top priority.”
Unlike traditional MinnesotaCare recipients, Hudson 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. Hudson warned that continued funding for the healthcare expansion could jeopardize other critical services such as ambulance operations, rural hospitals, and emergency care.
“This money could be used for essential emergency services, teachers’ pensions, lowering class sizes, or addressing critical infrastructure needs in our state,” Hudson said. “But instead of tackling those pressing issues, the former Democrat trifecta chose to use over half a billion dollars to provide free, full-coverage healthcare for people who are in the country illegally – all at the expense of struggling Minnesota taxpayers.”
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, Hudson said.
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