Fact Check: "California, Illinois, Washington state, and Washington, D.C. allow non-U.S. citizens to enroll in Medicaid programs funded solely by state taxpayer dollars."
What We Know
Several states, including California, Illinois, Washington state, and Washington, D.C., have implemented Medicaid programs that allow non-U.S. citizens to enroll and receive benefits funded entirely by state taxpayer dollars. This is particularly relevant for undocumented immigrants who do not qualify for federally funded Medicaid due to their immigration status.
According to a report by the Associated Press, these states have shared information about non-U.S. citizens enrolled in their Medicaid programs with federal authorities, specifically the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as part of a review initiated by the Trump administration (PBS). The report highlights that these states have opted not to bill the federal government for the costs associated with these programs, thereby ensuring that state funds are used exclusively for this purpose (PBS).
Analysis
The claim that California, Illinois, Washington state, and Washington, D.C. allow non-U.S. citizens to enroll in Medicaid programs funded solely by state taxpayer dollars is supported by credible sources. The Associated Press and other outlets have reported that these states have established Medicaid programs specifically designed to provide coverage for undocumented immigrants, which is a significant policy decision reflecting their commitment to healthcare access regardless of immigration status (PBS, Fortune).
However, it is essential to note that federal law generally prohibits noncitizens from accessing Medicaid. The states in question have created their programs to circumvent this limitation by using state funds, thereby allowing them to cover these individuals without federal reimbursement (PBS, Fortune).
The reliability of the sources cited is high, as they include reputable news organizations like the Associated Press and PBS, which have a history of thorough investigative reporting. The information presented is corroborated by multiple reports, ensuring a balanced understanding of the situation.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that California, Illinois, Washington state, and Washington, D.C. allow non-U.S. citizens to enroll in Medicaid programs funded solely by state taxpayer dollars is accurate. These states have implemented specific programs to provide healthcare coverage to undocumented immigrants, funded entirely by state resources, as confirmed by multiple credible sources.
