Recent Policy Shifts in Public Healthcare for Undocumented Immigrants
In recent policy shifts, Democratic governors from California, Illinois, and Minnesota have scaled back public healthcare provisions for undocumented immigrants, citing fiscal pressures.
Measures Implemented by Governors
Governors Gavin Newsom, J.B. Pritzker, and Tim Walz have introduced measures to limit or phase out certain health benefits for illegal residents, reflecting budgetary constraints. These reforms, enacted in 2025 across their states, aim to address financial challenges while sparking debate among advocacy groups.
California's Medi-Cal Restrictions
In California, Governor Newsom announced restrictions on new Medi-Cal enrollments for adult undocumented immigrants, including a $100 monthly premium starting in 2027 for new enrollees. Existing beneficiaries will retain coverage, but the policy has faced criticism from over 120 organizations branding it as detrimental.
MinnesotaCare Program Changes
Minnesota’s Governor Walz signed legislation removing undocumented adults from MinnesotaCare, a program supporting low-income residents. He acknowledged the...