I rarely agree with the Left leaning.
I sometimes agree with the Right leaning.
I agree with what Hillary says here...
Democrats had no issue with her saying this not too long ago.
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WHY, WHY WHY ...does this false information keep getting pushed when it is absolutely not true. Additionally, why would any true Christian be against helping those in need, especially children, regardless of their immigration status? I am truly perplexed by anyone who claims they follow Jesus Christ of Nazareth but yet do not do His will. I
will pray that this will soon pass for the sake of His elect.
Once again, AI has the truth:
The Republican claim that undocumented immigrants have been "folded into" or are receiving full coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is widely characterized as false or misleading political rhetoric that surfaces during key legislative and budget debates.
Here's an analysis of where this idea originates and why it's a prominent political talking point, despite the facts:
The Origin of the Political Rhetoric
* Response to Democratic Proposals (The immediate cause):
* The claim is frequently raised by Republicans, particularly in recent years, when Democrats advocate for the extension of enhanced ACA premium tax credits (subsidies) or push back against cuts to Medicaid.
* Republicans often frame the Democrats' healthcare priorities as a demand for "free healthcare for illegal aliens" or "full benefits for undocumented immigrants" to oppose the funding measures, even when those measures are specifically for U.S. citizens and lawfully present immigrants.
* General Anti-Immigration and Anti-ACA Messaging:
* It serves as a powerful talking point that ties two major conservative policy opposition points together: strict immigration enforcement and the repeal/defunding of the ACA.
* The rhetoric suggests that the ACA is financially irresponsible and encourages illegal immigration by offering full benefits, which resonates with certain parts of the Republican base.
* Confusion with Limited State Programs and Emergency Care:
* There is some complexity in immigrant healthcare that can be intentionally misconstrued:
* Emergency Medicaid: Federal law does require and provide limited federal reimbursement (via Emergency Medicaid) for hospitals to treat any patient—including undocumented immigrants—for emergency medical conditions (like EMTALA mandates). This is not the full ACA or full Medicaid benefit, but the cost can be misrepresented.
* State-Funded Programs: A small number of states (like California, New York, and Illinois) use state-only funds (not federal ACA or traditional Medicaid funds) to offer comprehensive or expanded coverage to certain populations, including some undocumented immigrants. Opponents sometimes use these state-level programs to suggest a broader federal issue.
* "Lawfully Present" vs. "Undocumented": The ACA does provide coverage options (including Marketplace subsidies) for immigrants who are lawfully present (such as green card holders and asylees), but they are not the same as undocumented immigrants. Politicians can blur this distinction.
The Facts on Undocumented Immigrants and the ACA
The claim directly conflicts with current federal law:
* Federal Ineligibility: Undocumented immigrants are explicitly ineligible to enroll in Medicaid, Medicare, or to purchase coverage with subsidies through the Affordable Care Act's federal Health Insurance Marketplace (Healthcare.gov).
* Verification Requirement: To enroll in the ACA Marketplace or Medicaid, an individual must verify their U.S. citizenship or "eligible immigration status." Undocumented status does not qualify.
* Emergency Care Only: The only federal health benefit generally available to undocumented immigrants is coverage for emergency medical services through Emergency Medicaid, which is a very limited service, not comprehensive health insurance.
