Healthcare is a central policy point within the 2020 presidential election. Over the past few weeks, virtually all Democrats have come out in favor of providing free healthcare to illegal immigrants. This is extremely controversial for a series of reasons and inherently crosses over to immigration debates.

Linda Blumberg, a health insurance expert for the Urban Institute, has weighed in on talks of free healthcare to illegal immigrants. Per Blumberg's statements, this is not a good idea and will furthermore cause greater problems for the United States.

A Closer Look at Blumberg's Take on Free Healthcare for Illegal Immigrants

First and foremost, understanding the reasons behind support for this manner of healthcare is important. Many Democrats believe that providing free healthcare to those who illegally enter America is humane. Moreover, progressives maintain that healthcare is a "human right" which everyone has entitlement to. Many on the right-wing disagree with this idea, however. Conservatives consistently assert that illegal immigration is not worthy of rewards.

As both sides of the political aisle duke it out, Blumberg's professional opinion is as follows:

"[Free healthcare for illegal immigrants could cause] strong incentives for people with serious health problems to enter the country or remain longer than their visas allow in order to get government-funded care."

It's also important to note that countries with government-run healthcare systems often bar illegal immigrants from care, with the exception of emergency services.

Should Government Have a Place in Healthcare?

The present field of Democrat presidential candidates believes that government ought to regulate healthcare. Additionally, left-wing candidates have championed kicking Americans off private healthcare in exchange for a system like Medicare-for-All.

If progressives get their way, taxes will increase in order to fund Medicare-for-All. Democrats, such as Bernie Sanders, believe that the trade-off is worth it; however, this is debatable depending on which Americans one talks to.

Under a program which provides free healthcare to illegal immigrants, taxes would surge even more. Higher taxes means less money for hardworking Americans. Presently, it's unclear whether or not Democrat candidates believe this is a trade off which the nation will smile upon.