ST. PAUL – State Rep. Scott Van Binsbergen, R-Montevideo, is raising concerns after new data reveals enrollment in MinnesotaCare for undocumented immigrants has more than doubled initial estimates, sending program costs skyrocketing well beyond projections.
The expansion, passed by Democrats in 2023, was originally projected to cost $196 million over four years. With current enrollment, that cost has ballooned to an estimated $550 million and continues to grow. The Minnesota Department of Health indicates 17,396 undocumented individuals are now enrolled in the state-funded health insurance program, more than twice the original forecast of 7,700.
Van Binsbergen said the data was not made publicly available and only came to light after persistent inquiries by House Republicans.
“These numbers are astounding,” Van Binsbergen said. “At a time when Minnesota families are stretched thin by rising costs, Democrats are putting half a billion dollars into a program that wasn’t clearly presented to the public and that ignores the core services Minnesotans are counting on. They chose to prioritize benefits for individuals here illegally over the needs of Minnesotans and put taxpayers on the hook for it.”
Unlike traditional MinnesotaCare recipients, Van Binsbergen said undocumented immigrants are not eligible for federal funding support. Typically, the federal government covers 90 percent of program costs, with the state responsible for the remaining 10 percent. Because this population is ineligible for federal matching funds, Minnesota taxpayers are covering the full cost of their coverage.
At the same time, Minnesota faces a projected $6 billion budget deficit. Van Binsbergen warned that continued funding for the healthcare expansion could jeopardize other critical services.
“Vital funding for ambulance services, rural hospitals, and emergency care is on the chopping block,” Van Binsbergen said. “But instead of focusing on these critical priorities, Democrats are pushing over half a billion dollars toward free healthcare for individuals who are in the country illegally. This is completely out of touch with what the vast majority of Minnesotans want.”
Republicans have introduced legislation to repeal the MinnesotaCare expansion for undocumented immigrants, citing the need to control costs and protect essential services. A full repeal would save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars over the next four years and reduce incentives for illegal immigration to the state, Van Binsbergen said.
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