Illinois officials are facing criticism for their decision to cut state-funded health insurance programs that provide coverage for non-citizens and illegal immigrants. The move comes as the cost of running these programs has exceeded their estimated projections, totaling over $1 billion in the past year. Starting from April 1, illegal immigrants and non-citizen green card holders who have been in the U.S. for fewer than five years will no longer be eligible for coverage under these health insurance programs.
The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has stated that individuals who are no longer eligible for benefits will be provided with information about alternative coverage options, particularly through the federal ACA Marketplace. It is estimated that at least 6,000 people will lose their coverage as a result of these changes.
During a recent meeting, Healthcare and Family Services chief of staff Dana Kelly informed lawmakers that cutting out ineligible recipients will save the state over $13 million. The state had initially estimated that the program would cost $220 million for FY 2024, but a new estimate revealed that the actual cost would be $880 million higher than projected. The number of enrollees has also surpassed expectations, with over 120,000 individuals signed up for the program in FY24, compared to the initial estimate of 98,500.
Critics of the decision argue that it is part of a broader debate about extending benefits to those in the country illegally. They claim that such benefits serve as a magnet for migrants, contributing to the ongoing migrant crisis at the U.S. border. This controversy coincides with the recent passage of a bill in Maryland that would allow illegal immigrants to purchase health insurance at the same rate as American citizens.
The decision by Illinois officials to cut health insurance coverage for non-citizens and illegal immigrants highlights the challenges of providing benefits to this population while managing the costs. As the debate continues, the impact on individuals who rely on these programs for their healthcare remains uncertain.
