Is Oregon prioritizing healthcare for non-citizens over the safety of its own residents? A recent budget analysis reveals a startling disparity: the state is allocating significantly more funds to healthcare for non-citizens than to the Oregon State Police. But here's where it gets controversial... what does this say about the state's priorities?
According to a budget review, for the current two-year period (biennium), the Healthier Oregon program is slated to receive approximately $1.5 billion. This program provides healthcare coverage to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), the state's Medicaid program, but are excluded due to their immigration status. On the other hand, the Oregon State Police (OSP) has been allocated about $717 million, as per the Department of State Police Legislative Adopted Budget. That's more than double being spent on healthcare for non-citizens compared to the agency responsible for maintaining law and order across the state.
House Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer, R-McMinnville, brought this spending gap to light in a recent discussion, emphasizing the need to raise awareness about this allocation imbalance. "It's crucial for Oregonians to understand where their tax dollars are going," Elmer stated. Elmer also acknowledged the importance of providing healthcare to non-citizens to prevent the financial burden on hospitals for emergency room visits. KATU specifically asked, "Why not fund undocumented immigrants in their health care as opposed to making hospitals bear the cost for ER visits that will inevitably occur?"
"Yeah, and I think you know that is a fair question and that is a good point and that's definitely part of the conversation. But it's not the only conversation here at hand," said Elmer. "But what else is happening here is that this coverage to healthy Oregon is way more than just emergency room visits. I mean, we're talking full-on dental care, full-on health care, including preventative. We're talking about psychiatric care."
And this is the part most people miss: the Healthier Oregon program offers comprehensive healthcare services, including preventative care, dental care, and even psychiatric services, going far beyond just emergency room treatments. This raises the question: is this comprehensive coverage justifiable given the state's other needs, such as public safety?
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) defends the program, stating, "Oregon Health Authority continues to stand with immigrant communities and all 1.4 million people who rely on Oregon’s Medicaid program. Our mission is to ensure health care access, and we oppose all efforts to thwart it."
Since July 2023, Healthier Oregon has provided free health coverage to children and adults who meet income and other eligibility criteria for the state’s Medicaid program regardless of their immigration status. About 105,000 people are currently enrolled in Healthier Oregon, which covers the same physical, behavioral and oral health care that is covered by Oregon’s traditional Medicaid program - including primary care, emergency and hospital care and prescription medications.
A variety of immigrants can qualify for Healthier Oregon, including people who have refugee status, lawful permanent residents (“green card” holders) who have been in the U.S. less than five years, those who are enrolled in DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), individuals with student or work visas, and others who would otherwise qualify for Medicaid except for their immigration status.
The total 2025-27 budget for the Healthier Oregon program is approximately $1.2 billion, with about $900 million covered by state funds and about $300 million covered by federal funds. The federal funding portion covers emergency and pregnancy care that the federal government is required to cover nationwide per theEmergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) of 1986.
The OHA further clarifies that the program covers a wide range of immigrants, including refugees, lawful permanent residents (green card holders in the US for less than five years), DACA recipients, and individuals with student or work visas who would otherwise qualify for Medicaid. It's important to note that a portion of the funding, approximately $300 million, comes from the federal government and is earmarked for emergency and pregnancy care, as mandated by the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) of 1986.
This situation sparks a crucial debate: How should a state balance its responsibilities to provide healthcare for all residents, regardless of immigration status, with the need to ensure public safety and other essential services? Is it fair to allocate more resources to healthcare for non-citizens than to the state police? What alternative solutions could address both healthcare needs and public safety concerns? Where should Oregon draw the line? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
