A state audit has found that Governor J.B. Pritzker’s (D-IL) administration in Illinois has significantly underestimated the cost of providing health care to illegals in the state. The report, released by Auditor General Frank Mautino’s office, states that since 2020, these programs have cost Illinois over $1.6 billion.

The audit was conducted following a directive from the Legislative Audit Commission in 2023. Initial estimates for the program covering seniors over 65 were $224 million across three fiscal years. However, the actual expenditure reached $412.3 million, an overrun of 84 percent.

The costs for adults aged 55 to 64 soared to $223.1 million, exceeding the projected $58.4 million by 282 percent. Similarly, for those aged 42 to 54, the cost reached $262.2 million, up from an estimated $68 million.

The expected enrollment for seniors was 6,700, yet the actual number was 15,831 for the fiscal year 2023. Adults aged 42 to 54 were projected to enroll at 18,800, but 36,912 were enrolled. The 55- to 64-year-old age group saw actual numbers at 17,024 compared to an estimated 8,000.

Auditors discovered that 6,098 individuals listed as “undocumented” had Social Security numbers, and 668 people enrolled in the program for seniors were under 65.

Illinois House Republican leader Tony McCombie argued for an immediate program shutdown to relieve taxpayers. Senate Republican leader John Curran criticized the misuse of funds on ineligible recipients.

Last year, it was revealed that Democrat lawmakers in the state were forced to cut healthcare pledges due to the skyrocketing costs of funding healthcare for illegals.

Image by World Economic Forum / Benedikt von Loebell.

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