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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), who serves as the Chair of the Health Subcommittee on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Congressman Richard Hudson (NC- 09) introduced the Protect Medicaid Act, which will prohibit the use of federal taxpayer funds from being used to administer Medicaid benefits to illegal immigrants.

“Today I was proud join my colleague Congressman Hudson in introducing this crucial legislation that will ensure federal taxpayer dollars are spent on Americans and eliminate incentives for illegal immigrants to continue crossing our Southern border. As Health Chairman it is my number one priority to reform our health care system and bring down costs for everyday Americans. The actions taken by California and other states can significantly shift the Medicaid cost burden onto the federal government and threaten access to care for other vulnerable populations. House Republicans must pass this legislation to stop the flow of illegal immigrants at our border and not let the American taxpayers foot the bill for California’s and other blue state’s outrageous decisions,” said Congressman Guthrie.

“Liberal states, like California, have abused loopholes to provide Medicaid to illegal immigrants at the expense of hardworking taxpayers. Not only is this against the law, but it further incentivizes more illegal crossings at our border. Worse, it puts citizens who truly depend on the program on the backburner. This common sense bill will help protect Americans' tax dollars from being used to subsidize illegal immigrants' health care costs and ensure that the most vulnerable among us can get the care they need,” said Congressman Hudson.

Background

• Despite current law prohibiting federal funds from being used to provide Medicaid benefits to undocumented immigrants, states such as California have started providing Medicaid services to these individuals.
• While this statute doesn’t prohibit states from spending their own resources on undocumented immigrants, it reinforces current law by prohibiting federal dollars from being used for the administration of such benefits for these individuals if they choose to do so.
• This ensures federal taxpayers aren’t on the hook for paying for Medicaid benefits for undocumented immigrants and places the responsibility of paying for the Administration of benefits solely on state policymakers.
• This legislation will close this loophole and prevent states from using federal funds to provide Medicaid coverage to illegal immigrants.

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