Democratic States Slash Health Coverage for Undocumented Immigrants

Several Democratic-led states, including California, Illinois, and Minnesota, are rolling back or freezing health care coverage for undocumented immigrants due to budget shortfalls and rising costs. California's Medi-Cal program, which expanded to cover undocumented adults, faced a $6.2 billion shortfall, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to propose suspending new enrollments and introducing a $100 monthly fee for undocumented adults starting in 2027. Illinois and Minnesota have also cut or ended similar programs amid budget constraints, affecting tens of thousands of undocumented residents. These reversals have sparked criticism from some Republicans who argue that Medicaid funds should prioritize vulnerable citizens, while Democratic governors emphasize the financial challenges of sustaining expanded coverage. The policy shifts mark a significant change in states' approaches to immigrant health care access and reflect broader debates about immigration and health funding priorities under President Trump's administration. Despite these cutbacks, states maintain their commitment to universal health coverage but face practical limits due to fiscal pressures and increased program demand.