New legislation would use ACA loophole to open exchanges to undocumented aliens
WASHINGTON, DC – If lawmakers in California have their way, the doors will open wider for illegal aliens. Legislators in that state have passed a measure that would use an Affordable Care Act loophole to open its Obamacare Exchanges to undocumented immigrants.
“If liberal Governor Jerry Brown signs the bill into law, California would become the first and only state in the nation to invite illegals to sign up for subsidized healthcare. And, it would tempt other so-called ‘socially responsible’ states to follow suit,” according to Dan Weber, president of the Association of Mature American Citizens.
Notwithstanding the fact that the law clearly states that “undocumented immigrants aren’t eligible to buy Marketplace health coverage, or for premium tax credits and other savings on Marketplace plans,” President Obama apparently foresaw that the ACA might be modified, Weber said. “It contains a provision called the ‘innovation waiver’ that allows states to modify elements of the ACA as long as the modifications are designed to increase number of users and as long as they don’t increase federal costs.” It’s not certain whether Governor Brown will sign the legislation, but its sponsor Democratic State Senator Ricardo Lara seems to believe the law will be enacted. He said that some 390,000 illegals would become eligible when it is signed and a request for a waiver is okayed by federal officials. Once Gov. Brown signs the bill, the next step would be to petition Washington for a go-ahead.
The California law does not require the state or the federal government to provide subsidies, but there are many who believe the measure is a foot-in-the-door that may eventually leave taxpayers holding the bag, Weber said. “And, if you believe that the progressive California legislature is above such chicanery, bear in mind that 18 states already provide health insurance for the children of illegals and prenatal care for undocumented women.”
The Federation for American Immigration Reform has raised objections to the California’s overreach. Spokesman Ira Mehlman told U.S. News and World Report: “This is the first step in another misrepresentation of the Affordable Care Act. It [the ACA] was sold to the American people on the fact that you wouldn’t have to subsidize health care for illegal immigrants.”
“Expansion of ACA benefits to illegal aliens has far reaching implications and, thus, it must not be allowed. If lawmakers wish to focus on a truly needy group they need look no further than our nation’s ill-served senior citizens. Under this proposal, every dollar spent to care for individuals who sneak into the country means there is less money available for our own elderly population who have spent lifetimes paying income taxes and Social Security taxes. How frustrating it must be for them that legislators are willing to consider funding healthcare for illegals when they don’t care enough about seniors to provide a meager one-percent Cost of Living benefits increase,” Weber concluded.
