Non-citizens to be relocated from state-funded healthcare
Pritzker Administration to Remove Non-Citizens from Taxpayer-Subsidized Health Care Plan
The Pritzker administration in Illinois is taking steps to save state taxpayers millions of dollars by removing thousands of non-citizens over the age of 65 from the state’s taxpayer-subsidized health care plan. This move will shift some of the costs to federal taxpayers.
During Tuesday’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, officials from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services announced the upcoming changes.
Reviewing Eligibility for Health Care Services
“They are going to be reviewing current members of the migrant health care programs, both 65 and over and as we heard today from 42 to 64, to find out which of those people may actually qualify for either free market health care services, Obamacare if you will, or if they don’t they may be eligible for either Medicare or Medicaid based on their age,” said DeWitte, a representative from the Center Center.
This decision has the potential to save up to $14 million in state tax dollars. If the age bracket is expanded to include those over 42, even more savings can be achieved.
Savings and Impact
“They’re talking about 6,000 people, which she said would be a savings of $14 million and I’m sure … that lower age bracket will probably provide equal savings if they were able to move some of those folks off the migrant program,” said DeWitte, R-St. Charles.
In 2020, Illinois taxpayers began subsidizing health care coverage for enrolled non-citizens over the age of 65. This was expanded in 2021 to include enrolled non-citizens over the age of 42. In November, the Illinois Legislative Audit Commission approved a measure to investigate the cost of migrant health care subsidies.
A report from HFS dated Feb. 13 revealed the per-person costs for different age groups in the health care programs. The total taxpayer cost from July 2022 to June 2023 is $618.5 million.
Positive Development for Taxpayers
State Sen. Bill Cunningham, D-Chicago, sees HFS’s announcement as a positive step towards cost containment. “I think the department is using all the tools within their disposal to contain costs in this program,” Cunningham told The Center Square. “I think what they proposed today is very constructive.”
The program is currently budgeted for $550 million, but projected costs have pushed it closer to $770 million. Governor J.B. Pritzker has proposed spending $629 million on the issue for the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1.
What alternative options will be available for non-citizens to access health care services after being removed from the taxpayer-subsidized health care plan
The Governor’s office, they are going to be looking at removing folks who are not citizens of the United States from those programs,” said State Representative Norine Hammond.
This decision comes as a result of a financial strain on the state’s health care system. Currently, non-citizens who are over 65 years old and residing in Illinois are eligible for taxpayer-subsidized health care services. However, this has been placing a heavy burden on the state’s finances, with taxpayers shouldering the majority of the cost.
By removing non-citizens from the taxpayer-subsidized health care plan, the Pritzker administration aims to alleviate some of the financial pressure on state taxpayers. The decision will save millions of dollars that can be redirected towards other important areas of public expenditure.
The change in eligibility will predominantly affect non-citizens who are over the age of 65 and are currently enrolled in the state’s migrant health care programs. These individuals will undergo a thorough review to determine their citizenship status. Those who are found to be non-citizens will no longer be eligible for taxpayer-funded health care services.
While this decision may lead to increased costs for the federal government, it is seen as a necessary step to ensure that state taxpayers are not disproportionately burdened with the financial responsibility of providing health care services to non-citizens.
Furthermore, this move aligns with the principles of financial responsibility and fairness. Taxpayer-funded programs should primarily serve citizens of the United States, as they are the ones contributing to the funding through their taxes. The Pritzker administration’s decision acknowledges this principle and seeks to address the existing inequity in the state’s health care system.
It is important to note that this change in eligibility does not strip non-citizens of access to health care services entirely. Non-citizens will still be able to access health care services through other means, such as private insurance or community clinics. The change simply shifts the responsibility of funding these services away from state taxpayers.
Overall, the Pritzker administration’s decision to remove non-citizens over the age of 65 from the taxpayer-subsidized health care plan is a pragmatic step towards ensuring the financial sustainability of the state’s health care system. By reducing the burden on state taxpayers, the administration can redirect resources to other pressing needs and promote a fairer distribution of health care benefits. This move strikes a balance between fiscal responsibility and the commitment to providing essential health care services to those most in need.
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