(LibertySociety.com) – Starting January 1, Colorado will launch its “Cover All Coloradans” program, offering free Medicaid coverage to undocumented pregnant migrants and their children. The initiative, celebrated by state Democrats, extends prenatal, postpartum, physical, dental, vision, and mental health care to these groups, with an estimated cost of $51 million in its first year, according to CBS News.
Governor Jared Polis’ administration is partnering with immigrant advocacy groups to inform eligible migrants about the program. Officials have assured applicants that their immigration status will remain confidential and not be shared with federal authorities.
Bryan Rodriguez, a Denver Health Program Manager, emphasized these privacy protections, noting, “Current Colorado state laws protect the privacy of clients applying for public benefits.” The effort comes as the incoming Trump administration signals tougher immigration policies, adding urgency to outreach efforts.
However, the program’s hefty price tag has drawn sharp criticism from state Republicans, who unsuccessfully opposed the Medicaid expansion when it was passed in 2022. Republican State Representative Matt Soper warned that the program’s long-term costs could far exceed initial projections, stressing that many citizens are already seeing reduced benefits due to budget constraints.
“We as Coloradans and lawmakers are going to have to deal with how we pay for this,” Soper said. “The cost is going to be four times what we anticipated two years ago.” He also criticized prioritizing undocumented migrants over citizens. “We shouldn’t be giving programs and services to undocumented immigrants that we aren’t giving to Colorado citizens,” he argued.
Colorado’s initiative reflects a broader national trend. Across the U.S., providing free medical care to undocumented migrants is a growing financial burden. A November 2023 report from the House Committee on Homeland Security estimated that costs associated with illegal immigration reached $451 billion annually, a significant portion of which is spent on medical care.
In states like California, undocumented migrants can qualify for taxpayer-funded health insurance simply by crossing the border, leaving critics questioning the fairness of the system. Many migrants without insurance still accumulate medical debt through extended hospital stays, with taxpayers often footing the bill.
As Colorado moves forward with its ambitious plan, the debate over balancing compassion with fiscal responsibility remains heated, with implications for both state and national policies.
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