Latest news with #Medicaid-style
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Illinois mulls ending a health program for some immigrants living in the US illegally
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. JB Pritzker's positioning of Illinois as a sanctuary state, a welcoming port for immigrants from across the globe, hit the hard reality of state budgeting this spring. The Democrat is a leading critic of President Donald Trump's administration, especially its immigration policies. But facing a budget shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year, Pritzker's proposed $55.2 billion fiscal plan would cut part of a four-year-old program providing health coverage to some adults regardless of immigration status. Illinois is one of seven states and the District of Columbia to offer such a program. California, which last year one-upped Illinois by offering health care to all adult immigrants, has run into a similar revenue problem and plans to halt enrollment in its program. Rep. Barbara Hernandez, a suburban Chicago Democrat, said the program helps many families. 'There's a huge need in the undocumented community that cannot get health care otherwise,' she said. If Democrats, who control the Illinois General Assembly, can't find money to continue the plan — estimated to cost $404 million this year — tens of thousands of migrants will be left without Medicaid-style health coverage. It might not be just a question of revenue, but of will, given threats by congressional Republicans. As the GOP attempts to cut spending, including Medicaid, to make Trump's hoped-for tax cuts affordable, states' immigrant health programs will be in the crosshairs. What is the program? In 2020, Illinois became the first state to offer needs-based health insurance to all older adults, including low-income migrants who entered the country illegally, when it introduced Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors, covering those 65 and older. In 2021, it introduced a second program which became Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults, for immigrants aged 42 to 64. Enrollment in both programs has been halted, but the seniors' program will continue for current enrollees after June 30, while the program for those younger than 65 will end. What's happening elsewhere? California, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington, D.C. also provide public health insurance to adults, regardless of immigration status, according to the Los Angeles-based National Immigration Law Center. Colorado and Washington provide insurance obtained via the private market with state financial support. Like Illinois, New York covers older migrants with a public program. California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who like Pritzker has presidential ambitions, last week announced a freeze on enrollment in that state's immigrant health care program. Costs ran $2.7 billion over forecast for 1.6 million participants. How big — and costly — is the Illinois program? There are about 31,500 program participants in the under-65 crowd and the cost to cover them this year is estimated at $404 million. The two programs together enroll over 43,300 at an estimated cost of $538 million this year. With an estimated 400,000 immigrants without legal permission to live in Illinois, supporters point out that participation is likely far below eligibility. Why is free health care available to migrants? Supporters say the programs ensure a healthier state. People are more able to work. They're more likely to visit doctors and catch small problems before they become catastrophes. They can manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes and stave off new health concerns. And they're not exactly getting it for free, proponents maintain. Immigrant-led households in Illinois pay $8.6 billion a year in state and local taxes, according to a 2024 University of Illinois at Chicago study. "This argument of immigrants leeching or taking resources — they're actually more likely to be working and additionally are absolutely paying taxes for which they are not receiving benefits in return,' said Tovia Siegel of The Resurrection Project, a Chicago-based immigrant justice advocacy group. Illinois Republicans aren't on board. Rep. Ryan Spain, a deputy House minority leader from Peoria, points out that Congressional Republicans are wondering why states complaining about federal cuts to Medicaid somehow have enough in state coffers to cover the immigrant programs. 'The high cost of the program outweighs some of the arguments proponents make,' Spain said. 'It's an unaffordable beacon to attract additional illegal immigrants to the state of Illinois.' Are there tangible cost savings? The programs have saved Illinois hospitals considerable sums, according to a study released this month. People without insurance often treat the emergency room, where costs can by sky-high, as their doctor's office. Hospitals often eat those bills. A study by the Embodying Racism Lab at the University of Chicago found that since the Health Benefits for Immigrants programs started, hospitals' bad debt — payment owed for services which administrators consider "unlikely or unattainable" — fell by 15%, the equivalent of $1.5 million per year per hospital. 'Our findings suggest these programs have the potential to both improve equity in healthcare access and ease the financial burden on hospitals that serve all residents of Illinois,' the study reported. What are lawmakers doing? Talks about putting together a state budget are just warming up, even though the Legislature's spring session ends May 31. Sen. Elgie Sims of Chicago, the Senate Democrats' appropriations leader, said the health program is one of many worthy endeavors vying for a place in the spending column. Matthew Lopas, director of state advocacy for the National Immigration Law Center, issued a challenge to Pritzker and the General Assembly to 'hold the line and remain committed' during 'a time of extremist politicians who are out there scapegoating immigrants.'
Hamilton Spectator
19-05-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Illinois mulls ending a health program for some immigrants living in the US illegally
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. JB Pritzker's positioning of Illinois as a sanctuary state, a welcoming port for immigrants from across the globe, hit the hard reality of state budgeting this spring. The Democrat is a leading critic of President Donald Trump's administration, especially its immigration policies. But facing a budget shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year, Pritzker's proposed $55.2 billion fiscal plan would cut part of a four-year-old program providing health coverage to some adults regardless of immigration status. Illinois is one of seven states and the District of Columbia to offer such a program. California, which last year one-upped Illinois by offering health care to all adult immigrants, has run into a similar revenue problem and plans to halt enrollment in its program. Rep. Barbara Hernandez, a suburban Chicago Democrat, said the program helps many families. 'There's a huge need in the undocumented community that cannot get health care otherwise,' she said. If Democrats, who control the Illinois General Assembly, can't find money to continue the plan — estimated to cost $404 million this year — tens of thousands of migrants will be left without Medicaid-style health coverage. It might not be just a question of revenue, but of will, given threats by congressional Republicans . As the GOP attempts to cut spending, including Medicaid, to make Trump's hoped-for tax cuts affordable, states' immigrant health programs will be in the crosshairs. What is the program? In 2020, Illinois became the first state to offer needs-based health insurance to all older adults, including low-income migrants who entered the country illegally, when it introduced Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors, covering those 65 and older. In 2021, it introduced a second program which became Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults, for immigrants aged 42 to 64. Enrollment in both programs has been halted, but the seniors' program will continue for current enrollees after June 30, while the program for those younger than 65 will end. What's happening elsewhere? California, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington, D.C. also provide public health insurance to adults, regardless of immigration status, according to the Los Angeles-based National Immigration Law Center. Colorado and Washington provide insurance obtained via the private market with state financial support. Like Illinois, New York covers older migrants with a public program. California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who like Pritzker has presidential ambitions, last week announced a freeze on enrollment in that state's immigrant health care program. Costs ran $2.7 billion over forecast for 1.6 million participants. How big — and costly — is the Illinois program? There are about 31,500 program participants in the under-65 crowd and the cost to cover them this year is estimated at $404 million. The two programs together enroll over 43,300 at an estimated cost of $538 million this year. With an estimated 400,000 immigrants without legal permission to live in Illinois, supporters point out that participation is likely far below eligibility. Why is free health care available to migrants? Supporters say the programs ensure a healthier state. People are more able to work. They're more likely to visit doctors and catch small problems before they become catastrophes. They can manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes and stave off new health concerns. And they're not exactly getting it for free, proponents maintain. Immigrant-led households in Illinois pay $8.6 billion a year in state and local taxes, according to a 2024 University of Illinois at Chicago study. 'This argument of immigrants leeching or taking resources — they're actually more likely to be working and additionally are absolutely paying taxes for which they are not receiving benefits in return,' said Tovia Siegel of The Resurrection Project, a Chicago-based immigrant justice advocacy group. Illinois Republicans aren't on board. Rep. Ryan Spain, a deputy House minority leader from Peoria, points out that Congressional Republicans are wondering why states complaining about federal cuts to Medicaid somehow have enough in state coffers to cover the immigrant programs. 'The high cost of the program outweighs some of the arguments proponents make,' Spain said. 'It's an unaffordable beacon to attract additional illegal immigrants to the state of Illinois.' Are there tangible cost savings? The programs have saved Illinois hospitals considerable sums, according to a study released this month. People without insurance often treat the emergency room, where costs can by sky-high, as their doctor's office. Hospitals often eat those bills. A study by the Embodying Racism Lab at the University of Chicago found that since the Health Benefits for Immigrants programs started, hospitals' bad debt — payment owed for services which administrators consider 'unlikely or unattainable' — fell by 15%, the equivalent of $1.5 million per year per hospital. 'Our findings suggest these programs have the potential to both improve equity in healthcare access and ease the financial burden on hospitals that serve all residents of Illinois,' the study reported. What are lawmakers doing? Talks about putting together a state budget are just warming up, even though the Legislature's spring session ends May 31. Sen. Elgie Sims of Chicago, the Senate Democrats' appropriations leader, said the health program is one of many worthy endeavors vying for a place in the spending column. Matthew Lopas, director of state advocacy for the National Immigration Law Center, issued a challenge to Pritzker and the General Assembly to 'hold the line and remain committed' during 'a time of extremist politicians who are out there scapegoating immigrants.'
San Francisco Chronicle
19-05-2025
- Health
- San Francisco Chronicle
Illinois mulls ending a health program for some immigrants living in the US illegally
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. JB Pritzker's positioning of Illinois as a sanctuary state, a welcoming port for immigrants from across the globe, hit the hard reality of state budgeting this spring. The Democrat is a leading critic of President Donald Trump's administration, especially its immigration policies. But facing a budget shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year, Pritzker's proposed $55.2 billion fiscal plan would cut part of a four-year-old program providing health coverage to some adults regardless of immigration status. Illinois is one of seven states and the District of Columbia to offer such a program. California, which last year one-upped Illinois by offering health care to all adult immigrants, has run into a similar revenue problem and plans to halt enrollment in its program. Rep. Barbara Hernandez, a suburban Chicago Democrat, said the program helps many families. 'There's a huge need in the undocumented community that cannot get health care otherwise,' she said. If Democrats, who control the Illinois General Assembly, can't find money to continue the plan — estimated to cost $404 million this year — tens of thousands of migrants will be left without Medicaid-style health coverage. It might not be just a question of revenue, but of will, given threats by congressional Republicans. As the GOP attempts to cut spending, including Medicaid, to make Trump's hoped-for tax cuts affordable, states' immigrant health programs will be in the crosshairs. What is the program? In 2020, Illinois became the first state to offer needs-based health insurance to all older adults, including low-income migrants who entered the country illegally, when it introduced Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors, covering those 65 and older. In 2021, it introduced a second program which became Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults, for immigrants aged 42 to 64. Enrollment in both programs has been halted, but the seniors' program will continue for current enrollees after June 30, while the program for those younger than 65 will end. What's happening elsewhere? California, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington, D.C. also provide public health insurance to adults, regardless of immigration status, according to the Los Angeles-based National Immigration Law Center. Colorado and Washington provide insurance obtained via the private market with state financial support. Like Illinois, New York covers older migrants with a public program. California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who like Pritzker has presidential ambitions, last week announced a freeze on enrollment in that state's immigrant health care program. Costs ran $2.7 billion over forecast for 1.6 million participants. How big — and costly — is the Illinois program? There are about 31,500 program participants in the under-65 crowd and the cost to cover them this year is estimated at $404 million. The two programs together enroll over 43,300 at an estimated cost of $538 million this year. With an estimated 400,000 immigrants without legal permission to live in Illinois, supporters point out that participation is likely far below eligibility. Why is free health care available to migrants? Supporters say the programs ensure a healthier state. People are more able to work. They're more likely to visit doctors and catch small problems before they become catastrophes. They can manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes and stave off new health concerns. And they're not exactly getting it for free, proponents maintain. Immigrant-led households in Illinois pay $8.6 billion a year in state and local taxes, according to a 2024 University of Illinois at Chicago study. "This argument of immigrants leeching or taking resources — they're actually more likely to be working and additionally are absolutely paying taxes for which they are not receiving benefits in return,' said Tovia Siegel of The Resurrection Project, a Chicago-based immigrant justice advocacy group. Illinois Republicans aren't on board. Rep. Ryan Spain, a deputy House minority leader from Peoria, points out that Congressional Republicans are wondering why states complaining about federal cuts to Medicaid somehow have enough in state coffers to cover the immigrant programs. 'The high cost of the program outweighs some of the arguments proponents make,' Spain said. 'It's an unaffordable beacon to attract additional illegal immigrants to the state of Illinois.' Are there tangible cost savings? The programs have saved Illinois hospitals considerable sums, according to a study released this month. People without insurance often treat the emergency room, where costs can by sky-high, as their doctor's office. Hospitals often eat those bills. A study by the Embodying Racism Lab at the University of Chicago found that since the Health Benefits for Immigrants programs started, hospitals' bad debt — payment owed for services which administrators consider "unlikely or unattainable" — fell by 15%, the equivalent of $1.5 million per year per hospital. 'Our findings suggest these programs have the potential to both improve equity in healthcare access and ease the financial burden on hospitals that serve all residents of Illinois,' the study reported. What are lawmakers doing? Talks about putting together a state budget are just warming up, even though the Legislature's spring session ends May 31. Sen. Elgie Sims of Chicago, the Senate Democrats' appropriations leader, said the health program is one of many worthy endeavors vying for a place in the spending column. Matthew Lopas, director of state advocacy for the National Immigration Law Center, issued a challenge to Pritzker and the General Assembly to 'hold the line and remain committed' during 'a time of extremist politicians who are out there scapegoating immigrants.'
Winnipeg Free Press
19-05-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Illinois mulls ending a health program for some immigrants living in the US illegally
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. JB Pritzker's positioning of Illinois as a sanctuary state, a welcoming port for immigrants from across the globe, hit the hard reality of state budgeting this spring. The Democrat is a leading critic of President Donald Trump's administration, especially its immigration policies. But facing a budget shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year, Pritzker's proposed $55.2 billion fiscal plan would cut part of a four-year-old program providing health coverage to some adults regardless of immigration status. Illinois is one of seven states and the District of Columbia to offer such a program. California, which last year one-upped Illinois by offering health care to all adult immigrants, has run into a similar revenue problem and plans to halt enrollment in its program. Rep. Barbara Hernandez, a suburban Chicago Democrat, said the program helps many families. 'There's a huge need in the undocumented community that cannot get health care otherwise,' she said. If Democrats, who control the Illinois General Assembly, can't find money to continue the plan — estimated to cost $404 million this year — tens of thousands of migrants will be left without Medicaid-style health coverage. It might not be just a question of revenue, but of will, given threats by congressional Republicans. As the GOP attempts to cut spending, including Medicaid, to make Trump's hoped-for tax cuts affordable, states' immigrant health programs will be in the crosshairs. What is the program? In 2020, Illinois became the first state to offer needs-based health insurance to all older adults, including low-income migrants who entered the country illegally, when it introduced Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors, covering those 65 and older. In 2021, it introduced a second program which became Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults, for immigrants aged 42 to 64. Enrollment in both programs has been halted, but the seniors' program will continue for current enrollees after June 30, while the program for those younger than 65 will end. What's happening elsewhere? California, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington, D.C. also provide public health insurance to adults, regardless of immigration status, according to the Los Angeles-based National Immigration Law Center. Colorado and Washington provide insurance obtained via the private market with state financial support. Like Illinois, New York covers older migrants with a public program. California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who like Pritzker has presidential ambitions, last week announced a freeze on enrollment in that state's immigrant health care program. Costs ran $2.7 billion over forecast for 1.6 million participants. How big — and costly — is the Illinois program? There are about 31,500 program participants in the under-65 crowd and the cost to cover them this year is estimated at $404 million. The two programs together enroll over 43,300 at an estimated cost of $538 million this year. With an estimated 400,000 immigrants without legal permission to live in Illinois, supporters point out that participation is likely far below eligibility. Why is free health care available to migrants? Supporters say the programs ensure a healthier state. People are more able to work. They're more likely to visit doctors and catch small problems before they become catastrophes. They can manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes and stave off new health concerns. And they're not exactly getting it for free, proponents maintain. Immigrant-led households in Illinois pay $8.6 billion a year in state and local taxes, according to a 2024 University of Illinois at Chicago study. 'This argument of immigrants leeching or taking resources — they're actually more likely to be working and additionally are absolutely paying taxes for which they are not receiving benefits in return,' said Tovia Siegel of The Resurrection Project, a Chicago-based immigrant justice advocacy group. Illinois Republicans aren't on board. Rep. Ryan Spain, a deputy House minority leader from Peoria, points out that Congressional Republicans are wondering why states complaining about federal cuts to Medicaid somehow have enough in state coffers to cover the immigrant programs. 'The high cost of the program outweighs some of the arguments proponents make,' Spain said. 'It's an unaffordable beacon to attract additional illegal immigrants to the state of Illinois.' Are there tangible cost savings? The programs have saved Illinois hospitals considerable sums, according to a study released this month. People without insurance often treat the emergency room, where costs can by sky-high, as their doctor's office. Hospitals often eat those bills. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. A study by the Embodying Racism Lab at the University of Chicago found that since the Health Benefits for Immigrants programs started, hospitals' bad debt — payment owed for services which administrators consider 'unlikely or unattainable' — fell by 15%, the equivalent of $1.5 million per year per hospital. 'Our findings suggest these programs have the potential to both improve equity in healthcare access and ease the financial burden on hospitals that serve all residents of Illinois,' the study reported. What are lawmakers doing? Talks about putting together a state budget are just warming up, even though the Legislature's spring session ends May 31. Sen. Elgie Sims of Chicago, the Senate Democrats' appropriations leader, said the health program is one of many worthy endeavors vying for a place in the spending column. Matthew Lopas, director of state advocacy for the National Immigration Law Center, issued a challenge to Pritzker and the General Assembly to 'hold the line and remain committed' during 'a time of extremist politicians who are out there scapegoating immigrants.'
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Audit finds Illinois vastly underestimated cost of noncitizen heathcare on taxpayers
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — An investigation has revealed that Gov. JB Pritzker's administration greatly underestimated the cost of providing healthcare to undocumented migrants, costing the state $1.6 billion since 2020. The audit, conducted by Auditor General Frank Mautino, found that: more than 6,000 people enrolled in the program were listed as 'undocumented' despite having Social Security numbers; 700 were enrolled in a program for those 65 and older despite being younger; and 400 were enrolled in the program but were found to have been in the country long enough to qualify for Medicaid. Covered services include doctor and hospital visits, lab tests, physical and occupational therapy, mental health, substance abuse disorder services, dental and vision services, and prescription drugs. The program is similar to Medicaid but is funded by the state since migrants aren't eligible for federal coverage. Without federal match dollars for treating immigrants as part of the state's program, Illinois taxpayers were . was published a week after Pritzker delivered his annual budget address to the General Assembly, in which he proposed cutting funding to a newer program that gives Medicaid-style health coverage to noncitizens between ages 44 and 65, but leaving another program, which caters to noncitizen seniors over 65, in place. The state had estimated the cost of the program for younger people at $126 million, but the actual cost to taxpayers came in at $485 million over three years, the audit found. The Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors program, on the other hand, was budgeted at $2 million for the first year, but that estimate ballooned to $4 million while the program was being set up in 2020, and actually cost taxpayers more than $67 million by December 2020. In three years, the program cost the state $412 million — 84% . 'If they don't get healthcare, basic healthcare, they end up in an emergency room and we all end up paying for that at a much higher cost than if we have preventative care and regular care for people,' Pritzker said in 2023. As of December, there 54,000 adults had enrolled in both programs, although the state had estimated 26,800. In 2023, Pritzker pumped the brakes on the program after enrollments came in at a rate ' than people had anticipated when the program was put in place.' 'It's some evidence, anyway, that there are an awful lot of people out there who need coverage, who aren't getting it, or who will do anything to get it,' Pritzker said at an unrelated event on Wednesday. 'And I think that's a sad state of affairs in our society.' The Governor also said that some migrants of working age in the 42-65 program were later able to find a job 'that has health care associated with it.' Republicans have been critical of the program since its inception. 'We're the only state that puts this burden on Illinois tax on their own state taxpayers taking this on and to not run it properly and to have these large cost overruns, that's how you end up with a budget deficit,' Senate Minority Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove) . 'That's what's crowding out spending on education. That's what's crowding out spending on other components of the state budget. That's why we need an audit.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
