NY Rep. Laura Gillen Denies Democrats Support Taxpayer-Funded Health Care for Illegal Immigrants Despite Proof
by Jasmyn Jordan 10 Oct 2025
Rep. Laura Gillen (D-NY) is under fire after denying that Democrats support taxpayer-funded health care for illegal immigrants, despite evidence showing New York’s state health exchange offers such coverage. The Long Island Democrat, who voted for a spending measure that led to the government shutdown, rejected claims during an interview Thursday that her party is backing expanded benefits for noncitizens, even as Republicans cite program data and legislative provisions as evidence.
Asked if Republicans have gained traction by arguing Democrats want health care for illegal immigrants, Gillen replied, “We are fighting to protect health care for Americans, we are not supporting and arguing – I am not supporting and arguing – that people who are in this country illegally should get health care subsidized by taxpayers. That is not what’s on the table.”
New York’s own health marketplace, established under the Affordable Care Act, is evidence that taxpayer funds are already being used for coverage of undocumented individuals. A flyer from the New York State of Health explains that beginning January 1, 2024, undocumented immigrants aged 65 and older are eligible for comprehensive Medicaid Managed Care plans funded through the state program.
The materials describe benefits including primary and preventive care, prescription drugs, wellness services, and lab tests, coverage that was previously limited to Emergency Medicaid.
https://www.alipac.us/f12/ny-rep-laura-gillen-denies-democrats-support-taxpayer-funded-health-care-illegal-433953/
