Reduced health care services for adults who illegally entered the United States as part of the Minnesota budget agreement
In the heart of St. Paul, Minnesota, lawmakers have decided to exclude undocumented adults from a state-funded healthcare program, known as MinnesotaCare, which provides coverage for the working poor. This contentious move was a highpriority for Republicans during budget negotiations, leading to bitter disagreements within the Minnesota Legislature, which is split 101-100.
The vote, which occurred after an emotional four-hour debate, is expected to affect approximately 17,000 residents. Opponents of the bill argue that it will exacerbate existing health disparities, as many within these communities already face barriers to accessing healthcare. They fear that the removal of this safety net may lead to untreated illnesses, delayed diagnoses, and increased reliance on emergency services, ultimately resulting in higher overall healthcare costs.
The passage of the bill generated strong reactions from both sides of the aisle. Democratic Majority Leader Erin Murphy, of St. Paul, described it as "a wound on the soul of Minnesota," while GOP Rep. Jeff Backer, the bill's lead author, maintained that taxpayers should not subsidize healthcare for people without legal status.
While the bill passed with a vote of 68-65 in the House and 37-30 in the Senate, it was not universally supported within the Democratic Party. The top House Democratic leader, Melissa Hortman, of Brooklyn Park, was the only member of her caucus to vote in favor of the bill.
Governor Tim Walz, who remained steadfast in his support for maintaining healthcare eligibility for children who are not in the country legally, has promised to sign the legislation, as well as the other 13 bills scheduled for action in the special session. This agreement completes a $66 billion, two-year budget that will take effect July 1.
Some critics argue that the move to exclude undocumented adults from MinnesotaCare is part of a larger, national effort targeting immigrant communities. They believe that this policy, along with recent actions taken by the Trump administration, such as the renewed travel ban and efforts to expel those with protected status, is aimed at dividing the public and stoking fear among minority groups.
Advocates for immigrant rights argue that healthcare is a basic human right, regardless of immigration status. They view the exclusion as a moral and fiscal failure, as vulnerable populations face the brunt of budget-balancing efforts. The abrupt halt to enrollment for undocumented adults, which will leave current enrollees without coverage by January 1, 2026, has raised ongoing concerns about the future of healthcare access within these communities.
The US is closely watching Minnesota's decision and its potential implications for other states. As the debate about access to public services for undocumented immigrants continues, it underscores the tension between fiscal responsibility and moral imperatives in public policy.
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