On June 9, 2025, Minnesota’s Legislature passed a controversial proposal to remove undocumented immigrant adults from the state health care program, MinnesotaCare. This decision reflects the ongoing tension between parties in a divided Capitol as lawmakers work to finalize the next two-year state budget.
The bill, which will make undocumented adults ineligible for MinnesotaCare by the end of this year, moved swiftly through the legislative process and is now headed to Governor Tim Walz, who is expected to sign it. Notably, this health care cutoff comes just months after a law allowing these individuals to access health coverage took effect in January.
The decision to repeal coverage for undocumented adults has ignited a heated debate among Minnesota lawmakers. Democrats and Republicans have clashed over the bill, which surfaced as a significant point of contention during budget negotiations. Republican lawmakers voiced concerns over rising enrollment and the financial implications for the state’s future, questioning the sustainability of offering health care to undocumented immigrants.
“If California and Illinois can’t make the numbers work, what makes us think Minnesota can?” asked Rep. Harry Niska, a Republican representative from Ramsey. He urged the legislature to prioritize financial responsibility, framing the decision as pivotal in protecting Minnesota taxpayers from what he labeled as “fiscal recklessness.”
The repercussions of this legislation, however, have drawn fervent criticism from DFL lawmakers. They argue that this change will significantly harm thousands of individuals and families, endangering lives by denying essential health services. Former DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman found herself in a particularly difficult position, ultimately casting the sole Democratic vote in favor of the bill to facilitate a compromise, though she personally opposed it.
“This bill is cruel. It is inhumane. And it will cost real human, Minnesotan lives,” stated Rep. Jamie Long, DFL-Minneapolis, underscoring the emotional weight of the decision and illustrating the human impact behind policy changes.
According to data from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, over 20,000 undocumented immigrants were enrolled in MinnesotaCare within the first four months of this year—numbers that exceeded initial expectations. Of this group, approximately 24% are children under 18, highlighting a significant demographic impacted by this legislative action.
While the initial costs to the state have exceeded estimates, total paid claims from January to April reached $3.9 million, prompting discussions about whether the long-term financial concerns raised by Republicans would materialize as projected. Skepticism lingered about the accuracy of these financial forecasts, illustrating the complexity of navigating healthcare funding in an uncertain political landscape.
During the special session, which began on Monday with the aim of concluding the following morning, lawmakers spent four hours debating the bill. Outside the chamber, protestors vocally opposed the changes, brandishing signs that read, “Health care cuts kill.” This pushback further amplified the emotional stakes involved in the legislation.
The Senate later mirrored the House’s decision, with all Republicans supporting the bill alongside four Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy. In an emotional address, Murphy, a DFL representative from St. Paul, expressed her deep internal conflict regarding the vote, stating, “We will regain coverage for people because we are compassionate people, and that’s what we do in Minnesota. I made an agreement. I gave my word. I will vote for this, and it’s among the most painful votes I’ve ever taken.”
The past few weeks have been characterized by intensive behind-the-scenes discussions as lawmakers strived to negotiate and fine-tune the wide-ranging slate of bills necessary for enacting the estimated $66 billion state budget over the next two years. The rollback of MinnesotaCare coverage was positioned as the most contentious proposal on the agenda, which ultimately included a total of 14 bills.
Minnesota is now at a crossroads, navigating not only the immediate consequences of this decision but also its broader implications for health care access in the state. The fierce debates surrounding this issue reveal the complexities of balancing fiscal responsibility with the ethical obligations to provide health care access to all residents, regardless of their immigration status.
As we reflect on this legislation and the heated discussions it provoked in the Minnesota Legislature, it underscores the deep divisions that persist in public policy. The emotional appeals and stark realities faced by Minnesota’s residents compel us to continue questioning how we can address the needs of all communities while remaining financially prudent. The world of health care is always evolving, and as this bill moves towards execution, we must stay vigilant, acknowledging the lives at stake amid the political maneuvering.
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