The Sconi

Tom Tiffany, Representative of Wisconsin, said that current Medicaid policies permit a significant number of undocumented immigrants and non-working adults to participate, thereby straining the system and necessitating Republican reform. This statement was made on the social media platform X.

"Democrats say illegal aliens don't get Medicaid — but 1.4 million do," said Tiffany. "Democrats claim most able-bodied adults on Medicaid work — but over 60% report no income. This overloads the system and delays care for those truly in need. That's why Republicans fixed it in the OBBB."

Medicaid eligibility rules in the United States generally bar undocumented immigrants from most non-emergency coverage. Recent federal policy changes have expanded restrictions to other benefits, with many mixed-status families deterred from applying due to fear, as reported by Reuters.

According to KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation), as of March 2024, approximately 480,000 undocumented immigrants are enrolled in emergency Medicaid. Overall, 50% of undocumented adults remain uninsured compared to just 8% of U.S.-born adults, reflecting persistent disparities in access.

Reuters reports that new federal verification and work requirements for Medicaid have caused administrative strain. This has led to longer processing times and care delays. Congressional proposals could potentially remove up to 1.5 million able-bodied adults from the program.

Tiffany, a Republican U.S. Representative from Wisconsin since 2020, previously served in the state Senate. He is known for supporting Medicaid work requirements and opposing coverage expansions. His legislative record reflects resistance to broader Medicaid eligibility, according to Wikipedia.