Comer demands answers on taxpayer cost of illegal immigrant healthcare

FIRST ON FOX: House Committee Demands Answers on Taxpayer Cost of Healthcare for Illegal Immigrants

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman, James Comer, is taking action to address the taxpayer cost of healthcare for illegal immigrants. Comer has sent letters to eight blue state governors and their health departments, seeking more information on the issue. According to the Congressional Budget Office, an estimated $16.2 billion was spent on “Medicaid-funded emergency services” for individuals in the country illegally during the first three years of the Biden administration.

In his letters, Comer is requesting information on who is eligible to enroll in the state’s Medicaid and “Emergency Medicaid” programs, as well as details and costs related to medical procedures performed on illegal immigrants.

Efforts to Crack Down on Illegal Immigrant Enrollees in Medicaid Programs

Comer’s investigation aims to address waste, fraud, and abuse in various Medicaid programs due to the Biden administration’s failure to enforce U.S. immigration laws and the subsequent expansion of benefits for illegal aliens. The letters were sent to governors of California, Illinois, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, and New York, along with their respective health departments.

The deadline for cooperation is set for September 17, with a focus on obtaining documents and communications dating back to January 2019.

Budget Concerns and Reforms in Blue States

States like Minnesota, California, and Illinois have faced budgetary challenges due to the ongoing costs associated with providing public healthcare to illegal immigrants through their Medicaid programs. Recent reforms have been implemented to address these financial strains.

Call for Clarity from Governor Walz

Comer is specifically seeking clarification from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz regarding a statement made during a congressional oversight hearing about the number of illegal immigrants receiving Medicaid benefits. The Committee believes that Governor Walz’s statement may be misleading based on the structure of Minnesota’s healthcare programs.

Impact on Border Communities

Aside from the financial implications of taxpayer-funded health insurance coverage, the border crisis has also placed a significant medical care burden on communities along the southern border. Areas like Yuma, Arizona, have experienced challenges due to limited healthcare facilities in the region.

For further inquiries, Fox News Digital has reached out to the offices of each governor mentioned in the investigation.