A newly released state audit has revealed that Illinois has spent more than $1.6 billion on healthcare for illegal immigrants since 2020, with costs far surpassing initial estimates. The findings have reignited criticism of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration, which significantly underestimated the price tag for these programs.
The audit was commissioned by the Legislative Audit Commission after repeated concerns about the financial strain of the programs. Initial projections for healthcare coverage for seniors over 65 were set at $224 million over three years, yet the actual expenditure reached $412.3 million. Costs for younger age groups also ballooned, with some categories exceeding projections by nearly 300%.
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 numbers have also outpaced expectations. The state anticipated 6,700 seniors would enroll in the program, but the final count for 2023 was 15,831. In the 42-to-54 age group, projected participation was 18,800, yet 36,912 enrolled. The program for those aged 55 to 64 expected 8,000 people but ultimately covered 17,024.
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
Beyond cost overruns, the audit found cases of improper enrollment. More than 6,000 individuals listed as “undocumented” were found to have Social Security numbers, raising concerns about eligibility screening. Additionally, nearly 700 people under age 65 were enrolled in a program designed specifically for seniors.
Breaking in Illinois: 🚨 Illinois taxpayers paid out a MASSIVE $1.6 billion for healthcare programs for illegal aliens since 2020!
This is VASTLY above the spending projections estimated by Governor JB Pritzker’s administration, but he already knew that will happen and lied to… https://t.co/BJOKO3jqQT pic.twitter.com/BqmX7yaEEo
— Tom Homan – Border Czar Commentary News (@TomHoman_) February 28, 2025
Republican lawmakers have responded by calling for an end to these programs. House Republican leader Tony McCombie has demanded that the state shut them down, saying Illinois taxpayers cannot afford to subsidize healthcare for illegal immigrants. Senate Republican leader John Curran criticized the state’s failure to prevent funds from being wasted on ineligible individuals.
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
Last year, Illinois Democrats were forced to scale back some of their healthcare expansion plans due to rising costs. Despite this, the programs continue to drain state resources, with no clear plan in place to curb spending or prevent further financial mismanagement.
