Colorado Republicans urge state to finish Medicaid for unlawful immigrants

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EXCLUSIVE: Colorado congressional Republicans are asking the state to cease permitting unlawful immigrants to enroll within the state’s Medicaid program, Well being First Colorado.

This system’s availability to these within the nation illegally who meet different necessities for protection began this 12 months, and the Republicans pitched modifications in a letter to Democratic Gov. Jared Polis Wednesday. On Well being First Colorado's web site, it says, "Don’t let immigration standing cease you from making use of for well being protection," citing state regulation.

"Different Democrat-run states like California and Minnesota are starting to stroll again their insurance policies that provide free and sponsored well being care to unlawful immigrants even with out the One Massive Stunning Invoice Act being regulation as a result of they know that these insurance policies are costly, dangerous offers for his or her Medicaid beneficiaries," the letter from representatives Gabe Evans, Jeff Crank and Lauren Boebert states.

NEW POLL REVEALS MAJORITY OF CALIFORNIANS OPPOSE THIS KEY BENEFIT FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Colo., speaks at a information convention on the Republican Nationwide Committee after a gathering of the Home Republican Convention March 4, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Tierney L. Cross/Getty Photographs)

"It's disheartening to see Colorado proceed to double down and prioritize people who're unlawfully current even within the face of antagonistic impacts on People who want Medicaid probably the most, and we urge you to reverse course," the Republicans added .

Because the letter notes, Colorado is one among seven states that provide public healthcare protection that doesn't consider one’s immigration standing. California, Minnesota and Illinois are making reforms to their Medicaid choices, in response to The Wall Street Journal .

CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE

Minnesota and Illinois are ending the provision as a part of price range offers, and California is navigating totally different choices, like a doable enrollment freeze, as its legislature hashes out a price range. In California, a latest ballot revealed practically 60% oppose Medicaid for illegal immigrants regardless of the regulation going into impact final 12 months.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT HEALTHCARE COSTS IN BLUE STATE TRIGGERS INTENSE BUDGET DEBATE

Immigrants attempt to go over razor wire after crossing the border into El Paso, Texas from El Paso, Texas. (John Moore/Getty Photographs)

The lawmakers added that the reconciliation invoice features a provision that may considerably penalize states that present protection to unlawful immigrants as a result of the Medicaid applications obtain each federal and state taxpayer {dollars}.

"There's a renewed urgency to revise this coverage in gentle of the possible enactment of federal laws to scale back the Medicaid [Federal Medical Assistance Percentage] for the enlargement inhabitants from 90% to 80% for sanctuary states who use taxpayer {dollars} to cowl unlawful immigrants. As you recognize, this alteration would pose vital budgetary challenges to Colorado – however provided that the state continues to pursue this coverage," the letter states.

A spokesperson for Polis’ workplace informed Fox Information Digital in an announcement that the reconciliation invoice within the U.S. Senate must be utterly redone from the House version .

NEWSOM PROPOSES FREEZE ON ALLOWING ADULT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO JOIN CALIFORNIA'S MEDICAID PROGRAM

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on stage through the Blue Sneaker Ball on the Denver Museum of Nature and Science Jan. 5, 2019. (Andy Cross/The Denver Submit through Getty Photographs)

"Governor Polis is disillusioned these three lawmakers are attempting to intestine Medicaid and kick individuals off non-public insurance coverage, which might elevate insurance coverage prices for everybody who buys business insurance coverage due to cost-shifting. Due to their votes — which they’re making an attempt to distract from — practically 400,000 Coloradans would lose well being care, which might additionally elevate prices for everybody else," the assertion stated.

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"Governor Polis continues calling on the Senate to begin from scratch with this horrible invoice, together with really defending Medicaid and lengthening vital subsidies for individuals who buy plans off the well being change so Coloradans can afford well being care."

Cameron Arcand is a politics author at Fox Information Digital in Washington D.C. Story suggestions might be despatched to Cameron.Arcand@Fox.com and on Twitter: @cameron_arcand