Posted on March 21, 2019
HARTFORD- State Rep. Gale Mastrofrancesco (R-80) today voted against a legislative proposal which would permit illegal immigrant children to receive state Medicaid and HUSKY B program funds.
“Everyone wants to help people in-need, but this bill would be a huge cost to the state,” said Rep. Mastrofrancesco. “I also believe in the legal process in becoming a U.S. citizen and this bill circumvents the federal process. Creating a new state-funded healthcare assistance program when we can barely afford to fund existing state programs, like cutting funds to seniors and devastating cuts to our hospitals is bad public policy.”
The legislation, HB 1053, An Act Expanding Medicaid and Husky B Coverage for Children creates a state funded medical assistance program for illegal immigrants under the age of 19 with household income below 196% FPL with no asset limit. The bill also expands HUSKY B to illegal immigrant children with income exceeding 196% FPL.
The state Department of Social Services (DSS) testified against the bill due to the cost estimate of $64 million for the state, which DSS says they have no state money to fund the expansion of the program.
The bill was approved by the Human Services Committee despite unanimous Republican opposition. The proposal and now moves to the State Senate for debate.