Congresswoman Lauren Boebert has introduced new legislation aimed at restricting federal health insurance funds from being used to provide coverage for individuals in the United States without legal status. The bill, called the No Federal Tax Dollars for Illegal Aliens Health Insurance Act of 2026, seeks to ensure that Affordable Care Act (ACA) funds are only used for American citizens and lawfully present immigrants.
“American taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize health insurance for people who entered our country illegally,” said Rep. Lauren Boebert. “This bill closes loopholes that have allowed states to redirect federal health care dollars to illegal aliens and makes clear that these benefits are reserved for Americans.”
Rep. Jeff Crank, one of the bill’s cosponsors, added: “Sanctuary states, like Colorado, prioritize the well-being of illegal aliens over their own constituents, and the people have noticed. Colorado has intentionally exploited a loophole to use federal dollars to provide illegal aliens with healthcare coverage. Federal dollars are for the benefit of law-abiding American citizens, not illegal aliens. I’m proud to work with my Colorado colleagues to close this loophole.”
Rep. Jeff Hurd also commented: “American taxpayers expect their hard-earned dollars to support the citizens and lawful residents they were intended to serve. This legislation closes a loophole that allowed federal health care funds to be redirected in ways Congress never intended. By reinforcing clear eligibility standards, we can protect taxpayer resources while ensuring our health care system remains focused on those legally entitled to these benefits.”
The proposed legislation would clarify that states using ACA Section 1332 waivers cannot use those federal funds for individuals who are not U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawfully present immigrants. The Department of Health and Human Services would also be required to rescind any previously approved waivers that violate these restrictions.
The Affordable Care Act already limits subsidies for health insurance coverage to U.S. citizens and lawfully present immigrants; however, some states such as Colorado, New York, and Washington have used Section 1332 waivers to create programs that could extend federally funded benefits more broadly.
Boebert’s bill is supported by several Republican members of Congress including Rep. Gabe Evans (CO-08), Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ-09), Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Rep. Byron Donalds (FL-19), Rep. Troy Nehls (TX-22), Rep. Mike Kennedy (UT-02), Rep. Scott Perry (PA-10), and Rep. Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02).
Lauren Boebert currently represents Colorado’s 3rd district in Congress after replacing Scott Tipton in 2021 and has served since then. She was born in Altamonte Springs, Florida in 1986 and lives in Silt.
The full legislative text is available online.
