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* Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro)…
In this budget, we now allow for Medicaid for undocumented individuals who are 55 and older. So last year, it seemed like it stayed very quiet, I don’t know why more people were not talking about it, it was 65 and older. This year they slipped in 55 and older. So you may be 55 years old in this state, and a citizen and not eligible for Medicaid. But if you are an undocumented immigrant and 55 or older you’re eligible for Medicaid. So there are a lot of questions.
It really goes to the violence that we’re seeing in Chicago right now.
Um, Medicaid is not an age-based program. It’s an income-based program.
Last year during the height of the pandemic, the state expanded healthcare benefits similar to Medicaid to undocumented residents 65 and older who met Medicaid’s income requirements. Click here for those. That benefit was expanded this year to those 55 and older.
Point being, they’re not getting something that citizens with the same income status are not.
* Sen. Bryant then rambled on and on about how this canard was someone connected to the Chicago violence. Here’s the mayor’s office response via Politico…
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office pushed back, saying the senator’s comments show “a blatant ignorance” on immigration policy and public safety.
“Data shows that welcoming city policies, like Chicago’s, create safer communities because residents feel more comfortable engaging with police and other city government officials when they do not fear their immigration status will become a factor. These policies also protect everyone’s due process,” the mayor’s office said in a statement to Playbook.
Lightfoot’s office criticized the use of “xenophobic tropes” and said, “Bryant should focus on working with us and her Senate colleagues to learn about and tackle the actual root causes of violence in our state.”
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jul 14, 21 @ 2:41 pm
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How are you a legislator and don’t know the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? How does your staff allow you to say this publicly?
Comment by Hmm Wednesday, Jul 14, 21 @ 2:52 pm
Bryant is being ridiculous and Lightfoot’s team loves it when people let themselves being a really easy target like this. They think it helps distract people from all the ways people are frustrated with the Mayor.
Comment by Montrose Wednesday, Jul 14, 21 @ 3:06 pm
That district isn’t known for electing the smartest people.
Comment by NIref Wednesday, Jul 14, 21 @ 3:07 pm
Details, details. You’re missing the point. It’s about victimization, anger, us vs them, etc, etc. Facts don’t matter. Throw in a few Trump talking points and you’re good to go.
Comment by Sir Reel Wednesday, Jul 14, 21 @ 3:23 pm
Even ignoring the incorrect understanding of the program, giving people healthcare causes violence?
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Wut?
Comment by Perrid Wednesday, Jul 14, 21 @ 3:33 pm
I’m sure there are no undocumented folks picking peaches in her district.
Comment by jimbo26 Wednesday, Jul 14, 21 @ 3:43 pm
===So there are a lot of questions. ===
Representative Bryant may have decided that it is “Miller Time” pivoted right into the hateful rhetoric.
Her district is largely dependent on Medicaid to provide health coverage to her constituents. I don’t think she should be targeting Medicaid programs as inappropriate, but it’s not as if her legislative career has any accomplishments for her to highlight.
Comment by Candy Dogood Wednesday, Jul 14, 21 @ 3:45 pm
Never let truth or logic stand in the way of red meat for the followers
Comment by Snarkie from Schaumburg Wednesday, Jul 14, 21 @ 3:51 pm
58 year old Medicaid receiving illegals are the root cause of violence in Chicago. That’s a new one.
Comment by OurMagician Wednesday, Jul 14, 21 @ 4:10 pm
Medicaid is not only an income based program. Income is only a component of the eligibility determination. There are various other eligibility requirements such as assets, citizenship and specific services provided (chiropractic services were not covered regardless of income for example until this year). Age is also a factor for some eligility levels and some services. If you are going to call someone out for their ignorance, shouldn’t you actually get the criticism correct?
Comment by Eastside Wednesday, Jul 14, 21 @ 4:56 pm
face palm…
Comment by Morty Wednesday, Jul 14, 21 @ 5:22 pm