Republican lawmakers in Colorado are calling on the state to end Medicaid coverage for undocumented immigrants, citing financial concerns and the potential impact on residents who rely on the program. The letter, signed by representatives Gabe Evans, Jeff Crank, and Lauren Boebert, argues that the current policy is unsustainable and harms Medicaid beneficiaries by diverting resources away from those in need. The lawmakers warn that states such as California and Minnesota are also reconsidering similar policies due to financial pressures, with some opting to freeze enrollment or adjust their programs to reduce costs.
Health First Colorado, the state’s Medicaid program, currently provides coverage to undocumented individuals who meet other eligibility criteria, such as income thresholds. The policy has drawn criticism from GOP lawmakers, who claim it creates a burden on state budgets and increases costs for legal residents. The lawmakers note that while the Affordable Care Act initially expanded Medicaid coverage to more people, the federal government has recently signaled that it may reduce its financial support for states that offer coverage to undocumented immigrants. This has raised concerns about the long-term viability of such policies.
In California, a recent poll revealed that nearly 60% of residents oppose allowing Medicaid to cover undocumented immigrants, despite the law going into effect last year. The state is now navigating a budget crunch as it seeks to balance public health needs with fiscal responsibility. Minnesota and Illinois have already implemented reforms, with some states freezing enrollment or reducing benefits. The letter from Colorado’s GOP lawmakers argues that these changes are necessary to protect both residents and the integrity of Medicaid programs across the country.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis has defended the state’s current policy, stating that the Medicaid expansion has provided critical access to healthcare for hundreds of thousands of Coloradans. His office has criticized the GOP letter as an attempt to shift blame onto the government while diverting attention from other issues. The governor has called for a complete rewrite of the federal reconciliation bill, emphasizing the need to protect Medicaid and extend critical subsidies to ensure affordable healthcare for all residents.