Legal immigrants keeping their coverage

Governor Deval Patrick has announced plans to let legal immigrants keep their state funded health care coverage.

Governor Patrick said state health care coverage for 31-thousand legal immigrants in Massachusetts will continue despite a sharp funding cut in the new budget.

Health and Human Service Secretary JudyAnn Bigby says that new coverage won't include hospice or dental care.

This new plan that will cost the state $40 million.

Easthampton resident Janice Wohl told 22news that the state should cover the cost.

"I think everyone should be covered. If there is knowledge to help people and make them well than people should have access to it at all times."

South Hadley resident Stacy Warnock agrees.

Warnock told 22news, "If they are here legally and part of this country than they deserve the right of health care."

In June, the state budget approved by lawmakers ended health care funding for legal immigrants enrolled in the subsidized care plan.

That cut saved the state an estimated $130 million dollars.