NASHVILLE, TENN. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) introduced the Protect Medicaid Act to ensure the long-term integrity of Medicaid by preventing liberal states like California from forcing American citizens in other states to subsidize state programs that expand Medicaid benefits to illegal immigrants.

“Tennesseans and the American people do not want their tax dollars subsidizing Medicaid for illegal immigrants,” said Senator Blackburn. “Not only is it unfair to hardworking citizens, but it incentivizes more illegal immigration and puts the care of millions of Americans on the back burner.”

“Medicaid for migrants is a magnet for more illegal immigration,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This is terrible public policy for California citizens who depend on Medicaid, middle-class families paying taxes, and state debt. Taking care of the most vulnerable Americans should be our priority. Attempting to provide health care to everyone around the globe for free is not possible or feasible. Compassion that cannot be sustained is not compassion.”

• Federal law already bars illegal immigrants from receiving Medicaid, but states like California get around federal law by using state funds to extend Medicaid benefits to illegal immigrants.

• The bill prohibits federal money from being spent on administering state Medicaid benefits paid for by American citizens to noncitizens.

• If a state chooses to give Medicaid benefits to illegal residents, the bill ensures that state does so entirely on its own dime, without any costs to taxpayers in other states.

• Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) joined as cosponsors.