Health care coverage for undocumented an insult to taxpayers

I just read that Washington sate has been granted a federal waiver that allows undocumented immigrants to secure health insurance through the state's Affordable Care Act Health Plan Finder website. What an insane policy!

You can break the law by sneaking in and then get rewarded with free (or nearly free) medical insurance. The article estimates there are 100,000 "undocumented" immigrants now in Washington state with 24,000 having already applied. No wonder there are so many, given this program and undoubtedly many others out there as an enticement to come. Wynne McHale, of the Health Benefit Exchange is quoted as saying he is "blown away by those numbers." Duh!

What one pays for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act is a function of income. It is free or nearly free for low income (most immigrants) and very expensive for anyone with even a mid-level income. A neighbor couple with only a moderate income payed over $16,000 for coverage in 2023 and did not get a dime's worth of benefit due to very high deductibles.

What an insult to a taxpayer who is picking up the tab for non-citizens who have illegally entered the country. This issue is just one small example of why many people will hold their nose and vote for a guy like Trump come November.

Ron Baker

Arlington