Rep. Laura Gillen Faces Criticism Over Health Care Statements
Rep. Laura Gillen (D-N.Y.) has faced backlash for her denial of Democratic support for taxpayer-funded health care for undocumented immigrants. This comes amidst reports indicating that the New York State Health Care Exchange does indeed offer such coverage. In a recent interview, the Long Island Democratic Party, which supported a spending package leading to the government shutdown, dismissed claims of backing expanded benefits for non-citizens. This is despite Republicans pointing to system data and specific provisions in the bill as evidence.
When questioned about whether Republicans were gaining traction by stating that Democrats want health care for undocumented immigrants, Gillen countered, “We are fighting to protect American health care. We are not advocating that people who are in this country illegally should receive taxpayer-subsidized health care. That is not the agenda.”
The health care market in New York City, created under the Affordable Care Act, illustrates that taxpayer money is already being utilized to assist undocumented individuals. A flyer from the New York State Health explains that starting January 1, 2024, undocumented immigrants aged 65 and older will qualify for comprehensive Medicaid managed care plans offered by state programs. These benefits, formerly restricted to emergency Medicaid, will cover primary and preventive care, prescription drugs, wellness services, and laboratory tests.
The National Republican Congressional Committee highlighted specific provisions in the bill supporting health care funding. The continuing resolution (CR) backed by the Democrats includes elements aiming to limit eligibility for Medicaid, Medicare, and Affordable Care Act tax credits to U.S. citizens and legal residents. Under these regulations, several sections impose restrictions on federal Medicaid matching funds and reimbursement for emergency care for undocumented immigrants, hence similar limitations also apply to Medicare and the Premium Tax Credit. Republicans assert that revoking these provisions would essentially restore taxpayer-funded health benefits for noncitizens, shifting some costs onto states.
In a statement regarding Gillen’s remarks, the National Republican Congressional Committee accused her of dishonesty. NRCC spokeswoman Maureen O’Toole stated, “Laura Gillen, a liar, voted to shut down the government in order to continue providing health care services to illegal immigrants with taxpayer funds. That’s a fact. Gillen is lying to protect herself, because, as always, all she cares about is her political career.”
This controversy follows comments by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) where he alleged that Democrats are pushing for “taxpayer-funded medical care for illegal aliens and $1.5 trillion in new partisan spending” in the discussions to reopen the government. Johnson asserted that Republicans successfully passed a clean seven-week continuing resolution extending Biden-era spending without any policy alterations, reiterating that the healthcare and shutdown matters are “an entirely different story.”
In light of the situation, a recent poll by The New York Times and Siena College found that 65% of Americans oppose Democrats shutting down the government if their demands aren’t met. Representative Jared Golden (D-Maine) raised a point, noting that “Democrats are essentially taking credit for blocking the CR that would maintain spending levels set under President Biden in 2023, while at the same time blaming Republicans for the government shutdown. These seem contradictory to me.”
