SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Health and Finance Policy budget negotiations in the Minnesota legislature hit a snag as Republicans want to stop taxpayers from funding healthcare for undocumented people.
A bill introduced by Republican State Senator Jordan Rasmusson of Fergus Falls and Republican State Representative Paul Utke of Park Rapids would stop them from being eligible for MinnesotaCare.
Unlike nursing home and disability services, MinnesotaCare for undocumented people is not eligible for a federal match in funding.
“The question we need to ask ourselves is do we want to prioritize taxpayer funded healthcare for illegal immigrants over Minnesotans with disabilities and those who need nursing home services?” Rasmusson asked.
Initial projections from the state anticipated nearly 5,800 undocumented people signing up for state funded healthcare by 2026. In the first three months of the new policy, more than 17,000 have applied potentially tripling the projected cost to more than $600 million.
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy of St. Paul argues cutting healthcare for undocumented people leads to rising costs in increased premiums for all and uncompensated care.
