Audit Reveals Illinois Spent Billions On Healthcare For Illegals As Enrollment Skyrocketed

Illinois has spent more than $1.6 billion on healthcare programs for illegal immigrants, far surpassing initial estimates, according to a newly released state audit. The findings have sparked outrage from lawmakers who say the programs have placed an unsustainable financial burden on taxpayers.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration initially projected far lower costs, but actual spending quickly spiraled out of control. A program designed to cover seniors over 65 was expected to cost $224 million across three years. Instead, it cost taxpayers $412.3 million — an 84% overrun. Similar programs for younger age groups saw even greater discrepancies, with costs exceeding projections by nearly 300%.

Enrollment also exploded beyond expectations. The state planned for 6,700 seniors to sign up, yet 15,831 enrolled in 2023. The 42-to-54 age group was projected to reach 18,800 participants but ended up at 36,912. Those between 55 and 64 were estimated at 8,000 but climbed to 17,024.

Further complicating the situation, the audit revealed widespread instances of improper enrollment. Over 6,000 individuals labeled as “undocumented” were found to have Social Security numbers. Additionally, 668 people under 65 were receiving benefits through the senior program, making them ineligible for the coverage they were granted.

Republican lawmakers have called for an immediate halt to these programs. House Republican leader Tony McCombie has urged state officials to shut down the initiative before costs climb further. Senate Republican leader John Curran criticized the failure to properly vet enrollees, arguing that taxpayer money is being wasted on individuals who should not have qualified for benefits.

Despite these findings, the state has continued to fund the programs, even after Illinois Democrats were forced to scale back some of their healthcare expansion promises last year due to financial constraints. With the budget already strained, questions remain about how much longer the state can afford to provide these benefits.

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