Democratic States Cut Medicaid Access for Undocumented Immigrants

Several Democrat-led states, including California, Illinois, and Minnesota, have recently begun scaling back or ending Medicaid coverage for undocumented immigrants due to significant state budget deficits. These policy reversals affect more than 250,000 people, with Illinois and Minnesota implementing immediate cuts and California planning to stop new enrollments starting in 2026, potentially saving billions over several years. The reductions come despite earlier expansions of health care access to immigrants without legal status, which had improved health outcomes and reduced fear of deportation among many, such as the California resident Maria. These cutbacks have raised concerns among health experts and providers about increased public health risks and potential higher long-term costs due to delayed care. Compounding the issue, President Trump recently signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” enacting over $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts, including substantial impacts on undocumented immigrants in Minnesota. The combined state and federal actions have intensified debates around immigrant health coverage, public health, and fiscal sustainability.