Fact Check: "Governor Tim Walz and Melissa Hortman negotiated a compromise in mid-May 2025 to end eligibility for undocumented adults in MinnesotaCare while keeping it for children."
What We Know
In mid-May 2025, a significant budget agreement was reached among Minnesota's legislative leaders, including Governor Tim Walz and House Speaker Melissa Hortman. This agreement included a provision to end eligibility for undocumented adults in MinnesotaCare, the state's low-income health insurance program, while maintaining coverage for children. The change was set to take effect on December 31, 2025, meaning that undocumented adults who were already enrolled would lose their eligibility, and new enrollments would not be allowed (source-1, source-2).
The decision was framed as a necessary fiscal measure, with proponents arguing that it would save the state approximately $56.9 million in the 2026-27 biennium. Critics, however, contended that cutting health care for undocumented adults would not lead to overall savings, as providing preventive care is often less expensive than emergency care (source-1, source-4).
Analysis
The claim that Governor Tim Walz and Melissa Hortman negotiated a compromise to end eligibility for undocumented adults in MinnesotaCare while keeping it for children is supported by multiple credible sources. Reports indicate that the budget deal was a product of negotiations among legislative leaders, reflecting a compromise in a politically divided environment (source-2).
The reliability of the sources is high, as they include official legislative updates and reputable news outlets. The Minnesota House's official website provides a detailed account of the legislative process and the specific provisions of the budget agreement (source-1). Additionally, the Associated Press reported on the implications of the budget deal, confirming the changes to MinnesotaCare eligibility (source-4).
Critics of the legislation, including members of the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus, expressed strong opposition, arguing that the decision would have dire consequences for families and individuals relying on this healthcare coverage (source-3). This opposition underscores the contentious nature of the negotiations and the moral implications of the decision.
Conclusion
The claim that Governor Tim Walz and Melissa Hortman negotiated a compromise in mid-May 2025 to end eligibility for undocumented adults in MinnesotaCare while keeping it for children is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that this decision was part of a broader budget agreement aimed at addressing fiscal challenges while navigating a politically divided legislature.
