States extending health insurance to undocumented immigrants reduces emergency room costs and keeps workers and residents healthier.
“Without action, America faces a health care crisis as immigrants age; offering insurance will save money by reducing reliance on emergency rooms. Leaders in Illinois and California say their solution is inching toward coverage for all, which also makes the high cost more politically palatable.
“Look at what immigrants do for our economy,” Democratic Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch said. “Including them in our health insurance, it keeps them healthy and allows them to go to work and compete and be able to contribute.””
