Colorado GOP lawmakers urge Governor Polis to halt Medicaid coverage for undocumented immigrants, citing budget risks.

Republican Lawmakers Challenge State Policy on Medicaid Access

Republican members of Colorado’s congressional delegation are pressing Governor Jared Polis to stop the enrollment of undocumented immigrants in the state’s Medicaid program, Health First Colorado. The program, which opened to eligible individuals regardless of immigration status earlier this year, has drawn criticism from GOP lawmakers who say the policy places strain on state resources and puts legal residents at a disadvantage.

Representatives Gabe Evans, Jeff Crank, and Lauren Boebert sent a letter to Governor Polis on Wednesday, citing recent reversals or reforms in other Democratic-led states. “Other Democrat-run states like California and Minnesota are beginning to walk back their policies that offer free and subsidized health care to illegal immigrants even without the One Big Beautiful Bill Act being law because they know that these policies are expensive, bad deals for their Medicaid beneficiaries,” the lawmakers wrote. They noted that Minnesota and Illinois are scaling back such coverage as part of budget negotiations, while California is considering an enrollment freeze amid legislative debate.

The letter argues that continuing Colorado’s current approach could result in “significant budgetary challenges,” especially if proposed federal legislation is enacted to reduce Medicaid funding for so-called “sanctuary states” that provide coverage to undocumented immigrants. The lawmakers warn that a reduction in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for the expansion population from 90% to 80% could further strain the state’s budget, should Colorado continue this policy.

Governor Polis Defends State’s Healthcare Priorities

Governor Polis’s office responded to the letter by defending the state’s policies and criticizing the lawmakers’ motives. In a statement, a spokesperson argued, “Governor Polis is disappointed these three lawmakers are trying to gut Medicaid and kick people off private insurance, which would raise insurance costs for everyone who buys commercial insurance because of cost-shifting. Thanks to their votes — which they’re trying to distract from — nearly 400,000 Coloradans would lose health care, which would also raise costs for everyone else.”

The statement called on the U.S. Senate to substantially revise the reconciliation bill, beginning anew with efforts to protect Medicaid and extend subsidies for health plans purchased through the exchange. According to the governor’s office, these measures are essential to keeping healthcare affordable for all Coloradans.

As Colorado remains one of just seven states offering public health coverage regardless of immigration status, the debate reflects a broader national conversation about healthcare policy, state budgets, and federal intervention. With similar policies facing rollbacks in other states and new federal penalties on the horizon, the future of Medicaid coverage for undocumented immigrants in Colorado remains uncertain.