Mississippi taxpayers spent over $10.5 million on Medicaid for illegal immigrants from 2023 to 2025

Jackson, Miss. — Mississippi taxpayers spent more than $10.5 million on Medicaid for illegal immigrants from federal fiscal year 2023 through 2025, according to a report from State Auditor Shad White.

White criticized the use of taxpayer funds, suggesting that money allocated for illegal immigration could have been better used to reduce taxes, pay teachers, or fund police. He emphasized that federal law mandates hospitals provide emergency services regardless of immigration status and requires states to report related expenditures.

The Mississippi Department of Medicaid did not report spending on illegal immigrants to the federal government until after the auditor’s office released a 2024 report on the costs associated with illegal immigration. White called for stricter border enforcement and highlighted recent legislation making illegal immigration a state crime, which he says will help address the issue.

Following the identification of Medicaid’s reporting shortcomings, White commissioned a follow-up analysis. The Mississippi Division of Medicaid identified over $10.5 million spent on Medicaid services for illegal immigrants over three fiscal years.

White stated that Mississippi taxpayers deserve transparency about the costs associated with illegal immigration, even if it makes some uncomfortable. The full report is available on the auditor’s website under the “Reports” tab, searchable by “illegal immigrants.”

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