The state of Illinois is now offering free health care to certain illegal immigrants.
QUICK FACTS:
- Last year, state lawmakers approved a new program to provide free healthcare to illegal immigrants between the ages of 55 and 64, National File reported.
- The program covers services including doctor and hospital visits, lab tests, physical and occupational therapy, substance abuse disorder services, and dental services, to name a few.
- Only individuals who fall into the “undocumented immigrant” and have a household income at or below $18,754 for one person or $25,268 qualify for the aid.
CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR FOR HEALTHY ILLINOIS:
“The fact that we’re going to do this during the pandemic really shows our commitment to expansion and broadening health care access.”
BACKGROUND:
- The original policy covered between 4,200 and 4,600 immigrants over the age of 55 and was expected to cost between $46 million to $50 million in a year, according to a spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.
- While around 3,986 undocumented seniors are estimated to live in the state currently, that number is expected to grow to over 50,000 by the year 2030.
- Other Democratic states including California have also discussed using tax-funded dollars to provide illegal aliens free healthcare.
