ICYMI: Congressman Evans Urges Polis to Remove Illegal Immigrants from State Medicaid
In case you missed it… Congressman Gabe Evans is fighting to save Medicaid for Coloradans by urging Governor Jared Polis to stop providing free taxpayer-funded health care to illegal immigrants. Colorado’s sanctuary state policy currently covers illegal immigrants with state funds, thus prioritizing benefits for those unlawfully present in our country over citizens who need it most: individuals with disabilities, single mothers, children, and seniors.
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Blue state GOP lawmakers urge major healthcare change for illegal immigrants
June 19, 2025
Colorado congressional Republicans are asking the state to stop allowing illegal immigrants to enroll in the state’s Medicaid program, Health First Colorado.
The program’s availability to those in the country illegally who meet other requirements for coverage started this year, and the Republicans pitched changes in a letter to Democratic Gov. Jared Polis Wednesday. On Health First Colorado's website, it says, "Don’t let immigration status stop you from applying for health coverage," citing state law.
"Other Democrat-run states like California and Minnesota are beginning to walk back their policies that offer free and subsidized health care to illegal immigrants even without the One Big Beautiful Bill Act being law because they know that these policies are expensive, bad deals for their Medicaid beneficiaries," the letter from representatives Gabe Evans, Jeff Crank and Lauren Boebert states.
"It is disheartening to see Colorado continue to double down and prioritize individuals who are unlawfully present even in the face of adverse impacts on Americans who need Medicaid the most, and we urge you to reverse course," the Republicans added.
As the letter notes, Colorado is one of seven states that offer public healthcare coverage that does not factor in one’s immigration status. California, Minnesota and Illinois are making reforms to their Medicaid offerings, according to The Wall Street Journal.
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The lawmakers added that the reconciliation bill includes a provision that will significantly penalize states that provide coverage to illegal immigrants because the Medicaid programs receive both federal and state taxpayer dollars.
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