Fri Feb 28 16:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Illinois Audit Reveals $1.6 Billion Overspend on Healthcare for Immigrants

**Springfield, IL –** A state audit commissioned by Illinois Republican lawmakers has revealed a staggering $1.6 billion overspend on healthcare programs for undocumented immigrants since 2020. The audit, released this week, sharply criticizes Governor JB Pritzker’s administration for significantly underestimating both the cost and demand for these programs.

The report indicates that the actual spending exceeded budget projections by over 200%. Furthermore, the audit uncovered instances where state funds were used for individuals who were either U.S. citizens or eligible for federal programs. Over 6,000 individuals listed as undocumented possessed Social Security numbers, raising concerns about inaccurate enrollment. A review of 94 cases revealed 19 individuals incorrectly classified as non-citizens. Additional discrepancies included nearly 700 individuals in a senior health program who were under the age of 65 and approximately 400 enrollees who had been in the country for over five years, making them eligible for federal Medicaid.

State Senate Republican Leader John Curran called the audit’s findings “gross mismanagement,” highlighting the administration’s failure to seek eligible federal reimbursements, leaving millions of dollars unclaimed. He criticized Governor Pritzker for addressing the resulting budget deficit through tax increases and the use of COVID relief funds, rather than controlling program spending.

The audit’s release follows Governor Pritzker’s recent announcement to cut $330 million from a program providing Medicaid-like coverage to undocumented immigrants under 65 and legal immigrants without green cards. This measure is intended to help address a larger state budget shortfall. While Pritzker expressed support for universal healthcare, Curran argued that Illinois taxpayers should not bear the sole burden of providing free healthcare to the working-age population.

Governor Pritzker’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment. The audit recommends that the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services pursue federal reimbursement for misspent funds.

Read More