BOISE, Idaho — Amid a growing measles outbreak in other parts of the United States, Idaho has decided to discontinue publicly funded vaccinations for undocumented immigrants. This development follows a new law signed by Republican Governor Brad Little, which will terminate various public services for individuals residing in the U.S. illegally. The law, which goes into effect on July 1, will also stop communicable disease testing, prenatal and postnatal care for women, crisis counseling, and specific food assistance for children.
The legislation seems to be a pioneering move following a directive from former President Donald Trump, who sought increased scrutiny in public benefit eligibility to ensure such benefits do not reach ineligible immigrants. Some states are contemplating similar measures. The restrictions on these benefits are part of a larger initiative by Republican-majority states aimed at reinforcing Trump’s stance on illegal immigration. This includes moves to deny driver’s licenses, retract in-state college tuition rates, and increase penalties associated with illegal immigrants. Moreover, since Trump assumed office, there has seen a significant rise in state and local law enforcement engagements to help enforce federal immigration laws.
Federal law has long barred illegal immigrants from receiving taxpayer-funded benefits like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Nevertheless, exceptions exist, particularly for emergency medical care. States had the leeway to extend additional benefits irrespective of immigration status, either through federal options or state-funding. Idaho now plans to retract some of these provisions from its state law.
Republican Senator Phil Hart, one of the law’s authors, clarified that state funds could still pay for emergency medical services regardless of legal residency, including services for infants born in the U.S. to undocumented parents. However, he highlighted that funding sources for services like vaccinations and prenatal care will need alternative arrangements. “It doesn’t prevent anybody from accessing any of these services. What it does do is prevent the state of Idaho from paying for those,” Hart stated last week in a Senate debate.
Critics argue that limiting preventative health care could pose risks to public health, especially as the measles outbreak extends from Texas to other states, potentially jeopardizing Idaho’s wellbeing and conflicting with the state’s anti-abortion policies. “We take a great deal of pride in being a pro-life state, and I share in that objective,” expressed Republican State Senator Jim Guthrie. “But in this case, the legislation denying prenatal care can compromise the lives of the preborn.”
Valerie Lacarte, a senior policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, warns that the new restrictions might deter legally residing immigrants from visiting health clinics or seeking services. “Just asking for immigration status has a chilling effect on people’s participation,” Lacarte noted. She emphasized the importance of maximizing vaccination coverage but acknowledged that restrictions and eligibility limitations might generate confusion.
Healthcare providers in Idaho, like Terry Reilly Health Services, are currently assessing how to comply with the new law while continuing to serve low-income and uninsured populations. “We are just trying to determine how we can best provide services to our patients while staying within the law,” stated Claudia Weathermon, communications director for Terry Reilly Health Services.
The Idaho Foodbank, which oversees two government food programs, assured that most of its resources are sourced from donations, thus remaining unaffected by the legislation. “We will continue to serve anyone with an expressed need for food,” announced Idaho Foodbank President Randy Ford.
The legislation faced opposition from several industry and religious groups, including the Food Producers of Idaho, the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, the Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry, the Catholic Diocese, and Mormon Women for Ethical Government. However, it received backing from the influential Idaho Freedom Foundation, a conservative think tank and lobbying entity.