Representative Ryan Fattman Questions MassHealth Benefits for Criminal Illegal Alien

Milford, Mass.—On Thursday, State Representative Ryan C. Fattman (R-Webster) held a press conference questioning how Nicholas Guaman, an illegal immigrant charged with the death of Milford resident Matthew Denice, was able to attain a MassHealth card from the Commonwealth.  

Fattman, pointing to the fact a defense attorney omitted Guaman’s MassHealth card as evidence of residency claiming “news headlines would focus on his client, who is living in the United States illegally, somehow having a state benefits card”, submitted a letter to the Director of MassHealth Kristen Thorn questioning how Guaman was able to attain a MassHealth card from the state.   

“There are many questions that need answering such as how did Guaman enroll, when did he enroll, and how much did this cost this cost taxpayers?  We are giving money to people who aren’t even supposed to be here, we aren’t just paying for it in dollars, we are paying for it with lives” said Fattman.
 
Fattman held the press conference in conjunction with members of the Denice and Grossi families, both of whom had family members killed by illegal immigrant drivers locally.     

“It’s not right that the legislature voted down requiring a social security number to qualify for state benefits yet I hear every day from constituents who are hurting they didn’t qualify for MassHealth, EBT benefits, or housing. Beacon Hill is no longer accountable to the people” Fattman said.   

Fattman stated it was unacceptable for the Massachusetts legislature to pass a $500 million tax increase last fiscal year on its citizens when abuse and fraud are currently happening without being addressed.   

“The R after my name stands for reform.  We have an opportunity to change this, it’s called elections.  This is going to be a topic this election cycle. A discussion needs to happen, and I welcome that debate” said Fattman.