The Oregon state legislature has passed and sent to the governor for signing a bill that will make illegal residents in the state eligible for Medicaid-funded medical services. The bill passed 17-11 in the Senate and 37-21 in the House. Gov. Kate Brown, Democrat, is expected to sign it.
Supporters of the bill said it would provide Medicaid coverage to approximately 100,000 Oregonians who are currently ineligible due to their immigration status. There are an estimated 110,000+ illegal residents in the state. Though the federal government typically pays most of the costs of Medicaid, in this case the cost will be borne by Oregon taxpayers. The Lund Report estimates that covering just half of the number anticipated would cost $300 million a year.
This new development in Oregon joins actions by other states, such as New York, that are gradually erasing the distinction between citizens and illegal residents in this country. Lawmakers in the Empire State recently created a $2 billion fund to offer one-time payments of up to $15,600 to illegal residents who were not eligible for federal aid.
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