Over 60% of voters oppose their state using state taxpayer dollars to provide Medicaid to illegal immigrants – and support a federal law to stop it.
WHY IT MATTERS
Congress is debating a reconciliation bill expected to include major Medicaid reforms. Eligibility standards – especially for non-citizens – are expected to be central to the discussion.
BACKGROUND INFO
Federal law bars states from using federal Medicaid funds to cover illegal immigrants. However, states may use their own taxpayer dollars to do so. States like California and New York offer Medicaid coverage to income-eligible illegal immigrants under certain conditions.
Verification standards are often weak – states may presume eligibility and are not required to confirm that enrollees are using their own Social Security numbers. This creates a financial incentive for states not to verify immigration status, as failing to do so can result in more federal reimbursement.
HOW TO USE THIS DATA
Reform advocates can use this data to show that a strong majority of voters support restricting eligibility to U.S. citizens.
Click one the image below to read the full report…or read the summary below.
Medicaid for Illegals – in MY State
- 62% of voters oppose their state using taxpayer money to give Medicaid benefits to illegal immigrants. This includes 75% of Republicans, 47% of Democrats (a plurality), and 66% of independents.
- There is a significant age divide. Baby Boomers and Gen X oppose their state giving Medicaid to illegal immigrants by a margin of 76%-19% and 69%-22%, respectively. Meanwhile, millennials are divided, 49%-44%, and Gen Z voters support it by a margin of 52%-39%.
- Key target voter groups are significantly opposed to their state giving Medicaid to illegal immigrants. “Trump Persuadable Voters” (those who approve of Trump policies but are undecided or voting Democrat on the 2026 generic ballot) oppose 59%-31%. New Majority voters who are undecided or leaning on the generic ballot oppose 65%-22%.
Medicaid for Illegals – in ANY State
- 62% support a federal law stopping states from using state taxpayer money to give Medicaid to illegal immigrants. This includes 85% of Republicans, 40% of Democrats, and 59% of independents.
- The age divide is less pronounced but still apparent. Over 60% of Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials would support such a law, but Gen Z is split 47%-45%.
- 66% of “Trump Persuadable” voters support such a law, as well as 62% of New Majority voters who are undecided or leaning on the generic ballot.
Strengthening Identity Verification
- 75% support a federal law requiring states to strengthen identify verification standards for Medicaid applicants. This includes 89% of Republicans, 63% of Democrats, and 72% of independents.
- At least 3-in-4 target voter groups support such a law, including 76% of “Trump Persuadables,” and 75% of New Majority voters who are undecided or leaning on the generic ballot. Notably, 82% of New Majority voters who are probably or definitely voter for the Democratic candidate support such a law.