In Minnesota, a significant change is set to take place in January 2026, as undocumented adult immigrants will no longer be eligible for state healthcare. This decision was made by lawmakers who voted to amend the policy, allowing only children to remain covered. The motivation behind this change, according to Republicans, is to reduce spending and prioritize the needs of Minnesota residents. However, Democrats strongly disagree, arguing that this move will ultimately lead to increased costs in the long run, as undocumented immigrants will be forced to seek medical attention without insurance.
Currently, at least 15,000 undocumented adult immigrants are enrolled in MinnesotaCare, the state’s healthcare program. According to Steve Knutson, executive director of Neighborhood Healthsource, a clinic that treats a significant number of immigrants, the prospect of losing this insurance coverage is a major concern. Without insurance, the cost of treatment for these patients will fall on the clinic, which may lead to reduced services, staff cuts, or even site closures. Knutson estimates that the cost of treating uninsured patients is at least $250 per visit.
Moreover, Knutson warns that the lack of insurance coverage will likely drive undocumented immigrants to seek medical attention in emergency rooms, which will ultimately result in higher costs for commercially insured patients. This is because the costs of uncompensated care are often subsidized by insured patients, leading to higher prices for everyone. The impact of this change is still unclear, and major hospital systems in Minnesota have not yet responded to requests for comment on how this will affect their costs.
The consequences of this decision are far-reaching and may have significant implications for the healthcare system in Minnesota. As Knutson notes, the number of undocumented immigrants in the state has increased in recent years, and the loss of insurance coverage will put a strain on clinics and hospitals that provide care to these patients. With the change set to take effect in January 2026, it is essential to consider the potential long-term effects and explore alternative solutions to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their immigration status, have access to necessary healthcare services.