Three States Slash Health Insurance for Immigrants: What This Means for Affected Communities

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Several states, including California, Illinois, and Minnesota, have provided health insurance for immigrants since around 2020. Recently, however, these states have rolled back or restricted coverage for many undocumented immigrants due to rising costs and budget deficits.

Illinois has cut off health care for adult immigrants aged 42-64, aiming to save about $404 million. In Minnesota, all adult immigrants in this category have lost coverage, saving nearly $57 million. California hasn’t yet cut existing beneficiaries, but new enrollments for undocumented adults will stop by 2026 to save over $3 billion.

This shift has come as a surprise, particularly from Democratic governors who previously supported expanding health coverage. As a result, many fear that these cuts will drive immigrants away from seeking necessary medical care.

The Impact on Health Services

Community health clinics are feeling the strain. These clinics usually help vulnerable populations who lack other care options. For example, CommunityHealth in Chicago serves many uninsured immigrants. Following Illinois’s cuts, patients who benefited from state Medicaid for serious conditions, like heart problems or late-stage cancer, are now struggling to find care.

“Our patients worry about what these changes mean for them,” shared a community outreach worker from CommunityHealth, who requested anonymity to protect patient privacy. Many don’t speak English and lack transport to find alternative clinics.

In Minnesota, clinics serving low-income families report an uptick in patients rushing to get care before they lose insurance. According to Charlie Mandile, executive director of Health Finders Collective, many are trying to schedule procedures before the end of the year when 19,000 adults are expected to lose coverage.

Future Challenges

Despite the cuts, clinics plan to keep serving all patients, but restrictions from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services could complicate this. The shifts in California’s Medi-Cal, driven by a projected $12 billion deficit, include plans for a $30 monthly fee for remaining beneficiaries.

Health experts warn that these cuts could lead to more serious health issues down the line, as immigrants might avoid preventive care. Dr. Erik Mikaitis from Cook County Health in Chicago noted that hospitals might face increased pressure as people avoid care until emergencies arise.

In California, health officials estimate that around 200,000 people may lose coverage due to these new rules. Fear of immigration raids has also influenced behavior; more patients are opting for virtual visits and skipping appointments, contributing to worsened health outcomes.

Looking Ahead

The cuts reflect broader trends affecting health care in the U.S., especially during challenging economic times. According to a recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly 60% of health care providers reported patients expressing anxiety about immigration-related issues. This anxiety is impacting their ability to offer effective care.

As these changes unfold, it’s clear that the implications for both individual health and public health systems could be significant. Without the right support and resources, many people could go without the care they need, leading to further complications down the line.

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