Blue state’s ‘gross mismanagement’ cost $1.6B for illegal immigrant healthcare: audit
Illinois taxpayers have paid a whopping $1.6 billion for healthcare programs for illegal immigrants since 2020, according to a new state audit released this week. The audit, requested by GOP legislators, revealed that the spending far exceeded the projections estimated by Democrat Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration.
State Senate Republican leader John Curran expressed his concerns about the overspending and mismanagement of the program. He highlighted that the program spent over 200% more than what was budgeted and appropriated. Thousands of individuals were able to sign up for free healthcare on the state’s dime, despite not meeting the eligibility criteria. Furthermore, the governor failed to seek federal reimbursement for certain services, leaving federal dollars unclaimed.
The audit uncovered significant errors in the program, including individuals listed as “undocumented” who actually had Social Security numbers. Some of these individuals may be legal permanent residents eligible for Medicaid, which could have resulted in federal funding for the state. Additionally, there were instances where people under 65 were enrolled in the senior health program, and incorrect birth dates led to errors in enrollment.
The report recommended that the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services seek federal reimbursement for the lost funds. This comes as Pritzker proposed cutting funding for a program that provides Medicaid-like coverage to illegal immigrants under 65 or legal immigrants without a green card, aiming to save $330 million to address a budget shortfall.
Despite the proposed cuts, Pritzker expressed support for some form of universal health coverage, emphasizing the need for people to access healthcare. However, Curran emphasized the need to end the program for working-age adults to ease the burden on state taxpayers.
Chicago, designated as a sanctuary city, has seen hundreds of illegal immigrants detained by U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement since Trump took office. Both Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have vowed to protect residents regardless of their immigration status, opposing Trump’s mass deportation efforts.
In conclusion, the audit highlights the significant challenges and mismanagement in Illinois’ healthcare programs for illegal immigrants. As the state grapples with budget deficits, there is a growing need to address overspending and ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently and effectively.
