Minnesota’s new program to offer health care to undocumented residents is popular so far — the number of enrollees since it started in January is triple the state’s initial expectations.
That’s why state Republicans say it needs to end.
They argue the growth is unsustainable and will blow a massive hole in the state budget, while Democrats say they’re miscasting the numbers to grab hold of national Republican talking points against undocumented immigrants.
“It is a political talking point to say we took health care away from undocumented immigrants,” said state Sen. Alice Mann, DFL-Edina, who sponsored the new program.
Sen. Paul Utke, R-Park Rapids, said concerns about undocumented immigrants is the top issue for residents in his district now. “I heard about it at every corner,” he said. “People are paying attention.”
The program is one of the biggest sticking points between the two parties in the closely divided Legislature as they try to hash out a budget deal for the next two years.
What is the program and how does it work?
Two years ago, Minnesota Democrats in control of the government passed a law that allowed undocumented residents to enroll in MinnesotaCare, the state-funded health care program providing coverage to low-income residents. In order to enroll, undocumented individuals must be residents and meet income limits.
Previously MinnesotaCare was limited to U.S. citizens, lawful residents and individuals with a special immigration status, such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).