Colorado Republican lawmakers are calling on the state to end Medicaid coverage for illegal immigrants, citing financial strain and opposing federal changes that could reduce funding for states providing such coverage. In a letter to Governor Jared Polis, representatives Gabe Evans, Jeff Crank, and Lauren Boebert emphasized growing bipartisan concerns over the cost of offering healthcare to undocumented individuals, as states like California, Minnesota, and Illinois are also reconsidering similar policies.
The lawmakers argue that the proposed reconciliation bill would significantly penalize states offering coverage to undocumented immigrants, as Medicaid programs rely heavily on federal funds. They also highlight the potential budgetary challenges for Colorado if it continues to offer coverage to illegal immigrants, as the federal government plans to reduce the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for expansion populations. Governor Polis’ office has called for a complete overhaul of the reconciliation bill, emphasizing the importance of protecting Medicaid and extending subsidies for those purchasing plans off the health exchange. The debate has sparked intense discussions in Colorado, with some legislators and residents expressing concerns about the financial burden on taxpayers and the ethical implications of limiting access to healthcare for vulnerable populations.
Meanwhile, states like California, Minnesota, and Illinois are also facing pressure to revise their Medicaid policies. In California, a recent poll revealed nearly 60% of residents oppose Medicaid for illegal immigrants, despite the law going into effect last year. Minnesota and Illinois are ending the availability as part of budget deals, with California navigating different options, like a possible enrollment freeze, as its legislature hashes out a budget. The lawmakers added that the reconciliation bill includes a provision that will significantly penalize states that provide coverage to illegal immigrants because the Medicaid programs receive both federal and state taxpayer dollars.
Despite the political tensions, Governor Polis has remained resolute in his stance, stating that the reconciliation bill should be completely redone from the House version. He has argued that the current provision could lead to a significant loss of health coverage for nearly 400,000 Coloradans if it is enacted, which would also raise costs for commercial insurance purchasers. Polis’ office has called on the Senate to start fresh with the bill, ensuring that Medicaid remains intact and that critical subsidies are extended to those who purchase plans off the health exchange so that Coloradans can afford healthcare. The debate continues to dominate discussions in the state, with no clear resolution in sight.