ST. PAUL – State Rep. Jimmy Gordon, R-Isanti, 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.
Gordon said that data was not made publicly available and only came to light after persistent inquiries by House Republicans.
“Taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability from our government,” Gordon said. “Unfortunately, those things were severely lacking with one party in control of the Capitol the last two years. This is just one of the ways hardworking Minnesotans are suffering the consequences of one party catering to extreme activists instead of focusing on serving the overwhelming majority.”
Unlike traditional MinnesotaCare recipients, Gordon 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. Gordon warned that continued funding for the expansion could jeopardize other critical healthcare services such as ambulance operations, rural hospitals, and emergency care.
“Minnesota families are being crushed by rising costs, and our healthcare system is stretched thin,” Gordon said. “Essential funding for ambulance services, rural hospitals, and emergency care is at risk. But, instead of prioritizing these priorities, Democrats funneled over half a billion dollars into providing free healthcare to people who are here illegally. We really need to get back to focusing on our priorities, starting with putting Minnesotans first.”
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, Gordon said.
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