An audit has revealed that Illinois taxpayers have been left with a staggering bill of more than $1.6 billion due to state-funded healthcare programs for illegal immigrants. The review exposed massive budget miscalculations by Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration, which significantly underestimated both the cost and enrollment numbers of these controversial programs.
The Legislative Audit Commission ordered the review after lawmakers raised concerns about the financial strain of covering noncitizens. According to the audit, a healthcare program intended for seniors over 65 was initially projected to cost $224 million over three years. Instead, actual expenses climbed to $412.3 million, nearly doubling expectations.
The cost overruns extended to younger age groups as well. The program covering those aged 55 to 64 was expected to cost $58.4 million but ended up at $223.1 million, a 282% increase. Similarly, for those between 42 and 54, costs ballooned from a projected $68 million to $262.2 million.
This J B Pritzker sponsored Illinois "audit" is so fake 🤣 Also if it takes 1.6 Billion to provide healthcare for around 6000 Illegals, that tells u how much tax payer money was stolen by Brandon Johnson admin to provide healthcare for the 100s of thousands of Illegals in…
— Olivia Jones (@BlackMAGAMrs) March 1, 2025
Enrollment figures far exceeded projections. The state estimated that 6,700 seniors would participate in the program, yet 15,831 signed up. In the 42-to-54 age group, the expected number was 18,800, but 36,912 enrolled. Likewise, 17,024 individuals aged 55 to 64 joined the program, more than double the estimated 8,000.
https://twitter.com/BipulTweets/status/1895846116425601361
The audit also uncovered troubling issues with improper enrollments. More than 6,000 people labeled as “undocumented” were found to have Social Security numbers, raising questions about eligibility verification. Additionally, 668 individuals under the age of 65 were improperly enrolled in the senior program.
A state audit revealed Illinois taxpayers spent $1.6 billion on healthcare for illegal immigrants since 2020. pic.twitter.com/ZohOhvj3rz
— Bipul Das (@BipulTweets) March 1, 2025
Republican lawmakers have demanded immediate action. House Republican leader Tony McCombie has called for the programs to be shut down, arguing that taxpayers should not be burdened with these escalating costs. Senate Republican leader John Curran criticized the state’s mismanagement, highlighting the funds wasted on individuals who did not qualify.
Governor Pritzker once again proves that he is grossly irresponsible with Illinoisans’ tax dollars.
Just a week after introducing another bloated budget, an audit revealed the price of a mismanaged program for illegal immigrants was severely underestimated, costing Illinois…
— Darin LaHood (@RepLaHood) February 27, 2025
