How 3 Democrat-Led States Are Changing Medicaid Access for Those Without Permanent Legal Status

Maria had been managing her asthma and her husband’s diabetes for nearly two decades without proper medical support. Living in California without legal status, she turned to her sister, a nurse in Mexico, for advice. They would rely on home remedies and occasional inhalers brought from Mexico instead of regular doctor visits.

Recently, things changed for Maria and others like her. States like California opened health insurance programs for low-income immigrants, regardless of their legal status. Maria and her husband enrolled in Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, as soon as it became available. “Having insurance brings peace of mind,” she said in Spanish.

However, the landscape is shifting again. Several states have started to limit or end coverage for undocumented immigrants. Illinois and Minnesota cut back their programs due to significant budget deficits, affecting hundreds of thousands of people who rely on them. In Illinois alone, the state projected a savings of $404 million by ending healthcare for many undocumented immigrants.

While California has avoided outright cuts, new enrollments for adults will cease in 2026, aiming to save over $3 billion. Democratic leaders, who once championed healthcare expansion, are now backing these restrictive measures in response to growing financial challenges.

Health care providers worry that these changes could lead to higher long-term costs. The U.S. spends around $320 billion annually on care for the uninsured. When people avoid preventive care, they often end up in emergency rooms later, which is far more expensive. Dr. Erik Mikaitis, CEO of Cook County Health, noted, “Things can become unstable very quickly” as local clinics feel the financial strain.

People like Maria face tough choices. Staying in the program could ensure her family’s health, but the stress of legal uncertainties looms large. “If my husband gets sick, we’ll have to choose his life,” she said, weighing the risks of staying on the program.

Recent studies show that fear of deportation is ricocheting through immigrant communities. Many patients are now opting for virtual appointments or skipping visits altogether. Maria reflects this anxiety: “It’s going to be very difficult.”

As healthcare becomes increasingly fragmented, many advocates argue that it is crucial for communities to address these gaps together. They stress that state governments must consider the long-term implications of cutting coverage. If more individuals lose their safety nets, the entire healthcare system could spiral toward an even bigger crisis.

In these uncertain times, the future remains murky for Maria and countless others navigating the tangled web of healthcare and immigration laws in the U.S.



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Health care costs, Health care industry, Politics, Access to health care, Immigration, Government programs, Health, U.S. news, General news, Article, 123888564