Several Democratic-led states are reversing or reducing health care benefits for undocumented immigrants, citing budget constraints as a driving factor behind the changes.
In California, Governor Gavin Newsom’s latest budget plan proposes delaying the expansion of Medi-Cal coverage to undocumented adults aged 26 to 49. This expansion, which was set to begin in January 2024, would have extended full health benefits to over 700,000 people.
Illinois is also making adjustments. Governor J.B. Pritzker paused enrollment for a similar state-funded health insurance program for low-income undocumented seniors and adults. Officials say the state’s costs for the program exceeded expectations.
In Minnesota, a new program offering Medicaid-like coverage to undocumented residents is still moving forward. However, budget pressures are being closely monitored.
The rollback of these programs highlights the difficult choices Democratic governors face as they try to balance progressive priorities with growing fiscal challenges. The moves have drawn criticism from immigrant rights groups, who argue that the cuts disproportionately impact vulnerable communities.
Supporters of the changes say limited resources require tough decisions, and that preserving core services for the broader population is a necessary priority.
As state budgets tighten across the country, the future of publicly funded health care for undocumented immigrants remains uncertain—even in states that have traditionally supported expanded access.
