Pritzker Team Vastly Underestimated Health Care Costs for Adults Who Lack Legal Status, State Audit Finds
Illinois Auditor General’s Report Reveals Significant Shortfalls in Estimates and Enrollment Numbers
Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration has been found to have dramatically underestimated the actual cost of a controversial health care program for adult immigrants who lack legal status, according to a state audit report.
Cost Overruns Total $1.6 Billion
The Illinois Auditor General’s report, which was released on Wednesday, revealed that the program, known as the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program, has cost the state $1.6 billion since 2020. The report also found that the program has experienced significant cost overruns, with actual costs far exceeding initial estimates.
Initial Estimates Vastly Underestimated Actual Costs
The report found that initial estimates for the program for seniors were $224 million for the period from 2021 to 2023, but actual costs were $412.3 million, an 84% increase. For the program for adults ages 55-64, initial estimates were $58.4 million, but actual costs were $223 million, a 282% increase. For the program for adults ages 42-54, initial estimates were $68 million, but actual costs were $262 million.
Enrollment Numbers Also Vastly Underestimated
The report also found that enrollment numbers were vastly underestimated. For the program for seniors 65 and older, the initial estimated number of enrolled was 6,700, but the actual number was 15,831. For the program for adults ages 42-54, the estimated number of enrollees was 18,800, but the actual number was 36,912. For the program for adults ages 55-64, the initial estimate was 8,000, but the actual number of those enrolled was 17,024.
Errors and Inconsistencies Found in the Program
The report also identified several errors and inconsistencies in the program, including the fact that 478 people enrolled had two or more recipient identification numbers, and 6,098 people enrolled were designated as “undocumented” but had a Social Security number. Auditors also found 688 enrollees who were designated to the program for seniors, but were not 65 or older.
Pritzker’s Response to the Audit
In response to the audit, Governor Pritzker acknowledged that the program had experienced cost overruns, but emphasized the importance of providing health care to those in need. He also highlighted the fleeting nature of immigration status, stating that people’s immigration status can change during the course of a year.
Conclusion
The Illinois Auditor General’s report has revealed significant shortfalls in the estimates and enrollment numbers for the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program. The program has cost the state $1.6 billion since 2020, far exceeding initial estimates. The report has also identified numerous errors and inconsistencies in the program, including instances of fraud and abuse. As the program comes to an end, it is clear that the state must take a closer look at its spending on programs for immigrant adults lacking legal status.
FAQs
* What is the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program?
The program provides health care benefits to adult immigrants who lack legal status, aged 42-64.
* How much has the program cost the state since 2020?
The program has cost the state $1.6 billion since 2020.
* What were the initial estimates for the program, and how did they compare to actual costs?
Initial estimates for the program were vastly underestimated, with actual costs far exceeding initial estimates.
* What are the most significant errors and inconsistencies found in the program?
The report identified numerous errors and inconsistencies, including instances of fraud and abuse, such as duplicate enrollment and incorrect immigration status designations.
