The Best Hollywood Facialist-Approved LED Light Therapy Face Masks and Beauty Devices for Every Skin Concern

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In the world of high-tech beauty gadgets, LED (light-emitting diode) masks have become a regular — and more easily accessible — part of at-home skin-care routines. Gone are the days when the red light therapy devices were seen as pricey futuristic treatments — some of the best at-home LED face masks and devices are proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and scars; soothe rosacea; and treat inflammation.
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'LED light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin at varying depths, triggering natural biological responses,' board-certified internal medicine and aesthetic physician Dr. Glenicia Nosworthy tells The Hollywood Reporter. Light wavelengths are measured in nanometers (nm), each delivering 'unique benefits, so choosing the right one for your skin concerns is essential,' she adds.
Nosworthy notes that there are four types of light wavelengths in LED beauty devices:
Red light (620 to 700nm): 'Penetrates deeply into the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production.'
Near-infrared or NIR (700-1200nm): 'Penetrates even deeper than red light to target muscles and joints.'
Blue light (400-490nm): 'Targets the surface layer of the skin, killing acne-causing bacteria.'
Green light (495-570nm): 'Affects skin pigmentation by calming overactive melanocytes.'
Amid import tariffs on products coming from China, red light therapy devices are among the items that our shopping editors have seen rise in price. Foreo announced it was officially increasing prices as a result of the tariffs, and we've noticed products from Solawave and other brands go up by $5 to $10.
BEST NEW MASK Shark Beauty CryoGlow Face Mask, $350
MOST VERSATILE HigherDose Red Light Face Mask, $349
BEST VALUE Aphrona 7-Color LED Mask, $149 $180
BEST TRAVEL-FRIENDLY Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Wand, $110 $169
BEST UNDER $400 Omnilux Contour Face Mask, $345 $395
BEST UNDER $500 Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, $455
BEST RED LIGHT PANEL ReVive dpl IIa LED Treatment Panel, $399
MOST COMFORTABLE CurrentBody 2 LED Light Therapy Mask, $469
BEST LASER Lyma Laser, $2,695
BEST FOR ACNE Solawave Bye Acne Pro Kit, $89
BEST GUA SHA Skin Gym LED Gua Sha tool, $70
BEST FOR TENSION RELIEF Therabody TheraFace Mask, $529 $599
BEST FOR SCALP Foreo Luna 4 Hair, $199
BEST WITH NECK TREATMENT LED Esthetics Glotech Face Mask with Collar, $635.20 $794
BEST INVESTMENT Shani Darden Déesse Pro LED Light Mask, $1,900
The founder of Glo by Glen Skincare, Nosworthy is known for pioneering 'beauty hacking,' her approach of combining science-backed techniques, lifestyle adjustments and innovative tech to 'optimize beauty from the inside out,' she says. At her Brooklyn medispa, Nosworthy offers her starry (and HIPAA-confidential) clientele dermal fillers, microneedling, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) injections and more skin enhancements. Also on the menu is the celebrity-loved, red carpet-ready Glass Facial, a rejuvenating treatment that uses her collagen-stimulating topical polydioxanone (PDO) serum, hyaluronic acid and a microdose of Botox.
LED light therapy was initially developed by NASA scientists in the early '90s, first for plant growth experiments in space and thereafter to boost the wound healing of astronauts. The light's wavelengths can go deep into body tissue to promote blood circulation and collagen production, which is why the skin-care industry jumped on the high-tech train to bring LED light therapy to top Hollywood spas.
Related: The Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices for Every Budget
'The use of light on skin is not a new technology, but as LEDs have improved and become more efficient, so have LED-based technologies,' Mike Poling, president of Lightwave, and a 16-year innovator in the field, previously told THR. He explains that the usage of LED lights on the skin helps to re-energize cells: 'This increase in energy helps our cells function more like they did when we were younger with the immediate effects being a release of endorphins, a reduction in inflammation, and an increase in lymphatic system activity to help detoxify the body.'
Among the most popular LED face masks is the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, which went viral when it launched in 2020 after stars including Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Lucy Hale and Halle Berry shared their quarantine selfies wearing the device. Since its debut, other red light therapy devices have landed on the market with even more features, such as cryotherapy, vibration therapy and more.
Here, we've rounded up some of the best LED masks for a variety of budgets and skin-care goals, including red light therapy devices on sale at Amazon's Big Spring Sale. All products on our list are FDA-cleared as class II medical devices, and most (if not all) are eligible for HSA/FSA funds.
Shop our top picks below, and scroll down for pro advice on how to choose the right device for you, what to look for in LED light therapy masks and the difference between 'FDA approved' and FDA-cleared devices.
March 10, 2025: Updated this list to include additional product specs, such as number of LED lights, wavelengths, warranty periods and more.
BEST OVERALL
No. of LEDs: 132Wavelengths: Red (630nm), blue (415nm), NIR (830nm)Treatment modes: 4Usage: 5-15 minutes, 3-5 times weeklyPower output/irradiance: 128mW/cm2Portable/rechargeable: Yes; USB-CWarranty: 2 years
$350 at Shark Beauty
$350 at Amazon
$350 at SEphora
$350 at Ulta
One of our top finds at CES 2025, Shark Beauty's new CryoGlo face mask is essentially a mini medispa in a box and has the highest power output (or irradiance) of all the picks on our list. Featuring Shark's iQLED technology for even and effective coverage, the LED light therapy facial device delivers four treatments that combine red, infrared and blue lights for addressing fine lines and wrinkles, acne, dark spots and tired eyes. In our hands-on testing, we've found that Shark's iQLED technology and mask design effectively and evenly covers every inch of our face. We especially loved the adjustable InstaChill cooling therapy with the medical-grade stainless steel pads for treating our puffy under-eyes. (When we got a sneak preview at CES in Las Vegas, the pads brought sweet relief to our tired eyes amid the dry indoor air at the busy tech show.) We also like that the adjustable straps accommodate our small head.Shark notes that a 12-week study with 60 subjects found that users reported a decrease in the appearance of fine lines, redness and acne; firmer-looking skin and a more even complexion.
MOST VERSATILE
No. of LEDs: 132Wavelengths: Red (630nm), NIR (830nm)Treatment modes: 1Usage: 10-20 minutes, 3-5 times weeklyPower output: 50mW/cm2Portable/rechargeable: Yes; USB-CWarranty: 1 year
$349 at HigherDose
Made of flexible medical-grade silicone, HigherDose's Red Light Face Mask uses 132 LEDs to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, boosting collagen and elastin and minimizing redness. Choose 10- or 20-minute treatment times; the brand suggests using the mask three to five times a week to see results. Reviewers also love that the third head strap helps to keep the mask in place while moving, making this device one of the best LED masks to use while working out or doing chores.
BEST VALUE
No. of LEDs: 150Wavelengths: Red (630nm±5nm), yellow (590nm), green (520±5nm), cyan (490±5nm), blue (415nm±5nm), violet (390nm), whiteTreatment modes: 7Usage: 5-50 minutes, 2-3 times weeklyPower output: 30-80mW/cm2Portable/rechargeable: No; power supply requiredWarranty: 1 year
$149.99 $179.99 17% off
Buy at Amazon
Aphrona's LED face mask features seven interchangeable color lights and 10 intensity/power levels, and can be used for up to 50 minutes — making it one of the most versatile options on our list. It offers the most popular red, blue and green treatments for addressing fine lines, wrinkles, acne, redness and pigmentation. The company says that a clinical trial shows that over 90 percent of mask users reported improvements in their skin's texture and moisture. The device also comes with a handy travel case.
BEST TRAVEL-FRIENDLY
No. of LEDs: 7Wavelengths: Red (630nm)Treatment modes: 1Usage: 12 minutes, 3-7 times weeklyPower output: 49.5-60.5 mW/cm2Portable/rechargeable: YesWarranty: 1 year
$169 at Amazon
Buy Kit at Solawave $134.56 $134.56
$189 at Ulta
A favorite among Hollywood facialists and makeup artists, the Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Wand is the best multi-use LED device for same-day skin prep and traveling. In addition to red LED light therapy for addressing fine lines and dark spots, the device also features galvanic current (low voltage electricity that's different than microcurrent) for better skin care absorption, warmth for soothing and reducing the appearance of dark circles and vibration for depuffing and massage therapy. We love the compact size for traveling (it's become a toiletry bag essential) and the feeling of the galvanic current and vibration on our skin. Hollywood pros agree with us: celebrity groomer Miho Suziki (who works with Cooper Koch) says the vibration 'helps to wake up the skin in the best way possible [and the warmth] helps with depuffing and adding a subtle radiant glow.' Katy Perry and Nicole Richie have said they use the device, and it's also in the red carpet kits of celebrity aestheticians Emily Cheng (who used it on client Gracie Abrams before the 2025 Grammys) and Melissa Imperial (who works with Jonathan Van Ness) and star makeup artist Georgie Eisdell (who uses it on client Dakota Johnson).
MOST COMFORTABLE
No. of LEDs: 236Wavelengths: Red (633nm), NIR (830nm), deep NIR (1072nm)Treatment modes: 6Usage: 10 minutes, 2-4 times weeklyPower output: 30mW/cm2Portable/rechargeable: Yes; USB-CWarranty: 2 years
$470 at CurrentBody
$470 at Amazon
CurrentBody's second-gen LED light therapy face mask now has an updated liquid silicone material underneath a flexible cover for better nose and lip coverage and includes a scuba fabric-type adjustable strap, making it one of the most comfortable devices we've tested. It also adds deep NIR light (the Series 1 model only has red and NIR) for better light penetration. Each mask also comes with an NFC card containing Veritace's testing and traceability data so you can see each step of the quality review process.The brand's LED masks are a favorite of celebrity beauty pros for red carpet prep: Hollywood makeup artists Vera Steimberg and Melissa Hernandez used it on their clients (Zoë Saldaña and Mikey Madison, respectively) for the 2025 Golden Globes. Lilly Collins and Suki Waterhouse are among the stars who've raved about CurrentBody's face mask, and Kim Kardashian once gave it as a Christmas gift to friends.
BEST LED MASK UNDER $500
No. of LEDs: 152Wavelengths: Red (630nm), blue (415nm), amber (605nm), NIR (880nm)Treatment modes: 3Usage: 3 minutes dailyPower output: 60mW/cm2Portable/rechargeable: Yes; USB-CWarranty: 1 year
$455 at Sephora
$455 at Amazon
$455 at Nordstrom
$455 at Violet Grey
Another celebrity favorite is the wildly popular DRx SpectraLight FaceWare Pro mask by Dr. Dennis Gross. (Kris Jenner, Rita Ora and Halle Berry and Lucy Hale snapped lockdown selfies wearing the mask). Standout features of this mask include 100 red LED lights to support collagen production and reduce wrinkles, 62 blue LED lights to target and prevent acne-causing bacteria and an adjustable head strap for a universal fit. Look forward to seeing results after 10 weeks of consistent use.Pro tip: You can flip the mask upside down and use it on your neck and décolletage.
BEST GUA SHA LED TOOL
No. of LEDs: 3Wavelengths: Red (618-625nm), blue (463-473nm), violet (410-425nm)Treatment modes: 4Usage: From 3 minutes dailyPortable/rechargeable: Yes; USB-CWarranty: 1 year
$70 at Skin Gym
$70 at Revolve
$70 at Ulta
For pre-event sculpting, radiance and relaxation, try Skin Gym's LED gua sha device that Jessica Alba's makeup artist, Maria Vargas, recently used on her star client for the 2025 Oscars. The curved, ergonomic tool features red and blue light therapy, heat and vibration, which combine in four treatment modes for boosting circulation, lifting (on the forehead, cheekbones and jawline), eliminating acne, soothing muscles, evening out the skin tone and addressing fine lines and wrinkles.
BEST FOR ACNE SPOT TREATMENTS
No. of LEDs: 3Wavelengths: Red (630nm), blue (415nm)Treatment modes: 1Usage: 3 minutes per area, 3-5 times weeklyPower output: 11.7J-14.4J/cm2Portable/rechargeable: Yes; USB-CWarranty: 1 year
$89 at Solawave
Equipped with blue and red light, Solawave's Bye Acne Pro Kit helps to 'eliminate acne-causing bacteria and reduce sebum production and prevent future breakouts.' Ideal for spot treatments, this device is designed to be used with the company's serum-infused microdart pimple patches (which contain niacinamide, green tea, gotu kola and madecassoside) to 'calm and soothe the skin.'
BEST LED MASK UNDER $400
No. of LEDs: 132Wavelengths: Red (633nm), NIR (880nm)Treatment modes: 1Usage: 10 minutes, 3-5 times weeklyPower output: 30mW/cm2Portable/rechargeable: Yes; USB-CWarranty: 2 years
$345 $395 13% off
Buy AT OMNILUX
Paris Hilton told Who What Wear that she loves using Omnilux's Contour Face mask in her morning and evening routines. For those looking to specifically target acne, Omnilux has another fan-favorite for this exact purpose: Omnilux Clear. This LED mask has passed FDA, TGA and CE regulations for treating acne and offers dermatologist-grade treatments from the comfort of your home by way of blue light that targets and kills acne bacteria and red light that aids in the production of new collagen while reducing inflammation. Recommended length of use: four 10-minute treatments for six weeks. (Through May 13, save $50 off one device with code SAVE50, $115 off two devices with code SAVE115 or $200 off three devices with code SAVE200.)
BEST FOR TENSION RELIEF
No. of LEDs: 648Wavelengths: Red (630nm±10nm), blue (415nm±10nm), NIR (830nm±10nm)Treatment modes: 2Usage: 3-9 minutes dailyRechargeable: Yes; USB-CWarranty: 1 year
$649 at Bloomingdale's
$649 at Best Buy
$650 at therabody
$650 at Amazon
Known for its pro athlete-loved, celebrity-backed percussive massage tools, Therabody brings its vibration therapy to beauty with its TheraFace mask. In addition to 648 red, infrared and blue LED lights that deliver a large amount of coverage, the device features 17 QX-Micro motors to relieve pressure points on the face and scalp for stress relief and relaxation. As for its skin health benefits, A 12-week study conducted by a third-party company found that Therabody's face mask brought a range of improvements to their skin, including the reduced appearance of dark spots.
BEST RED LIGHT PANEL
No. of LEDs: 262Wavelengths: Red (630nm), deep red (660nm), blue (415nm), amber (605nm), infrared (880nm)Treatment modes: 3Usage: From 3 minutes dailyPortable/rechargeable: No; power supply requiredWarranty: 1 year
$399 at Amazon
$399 at LED TEchnologies
ReVive's Lux Collection dpl IIa LED Treatment Panel is one of the most versatile options on our list as the book-like design makes it easy to use on the entire body. Created to address fine lines, wrinkles, inflammation and acne, the panel can be placed at your desired distance and angle from your desired treatment area, and offers three settings with a variety of light colors and strengths.
BEST WITH NECK COLLAR
No. of LEDs: 132Wavelengths: Red (630nm±5nm), blue (415nm), NIR (830nm)Treatment modes: 2Usage: 10 minutes dailyPower output: 44mw/cm2Rechargeable: Yes; USB-CWarranty: 1 year
$694 $794 13% off
Buy at LED ESTHETICS
Customers have seen results in two weeks after using LED Esthetics' Glotech Mask Pro for 10 minutes per day, six times per week. The FDA-cleared device features red, NIR and blue light treatments to visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation, boost collagen production, enhance skin texture, minimize pore size and reduce or eliminate acne.According to the company, Chrissy Teigen, January Jones, Madonna and Jessica Alba are among the stars who have shared their experiences using the LED mask on social media.
BEST CLINICAL-GRADE LASER DEVICE
Wavelengths: Red (625nm), NIR (808nm) Treatment modes: 1Usage: From 3 minutes daily for first 12 weeks; then 3-4 times weekly to maintain resultsPower output: Rechargeable: Yes; USB-CWarranty: 2 years
$2,695 at Lyma
While nothing can replace a pro treatment at a medical spa, the Lyma Laser is a close second — and unlike other devices, it can be used on the whole body and on darker skin tones. Lyma just released the Pro edition of its best-selling laser that delivers results faster with triple the power.)The FDA-cleared device uses red and NIR laser light across a surface of 8cm2 to reach the base layer of the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, old and new scars and other skin concerns. To use, you'll hold the flashlight-shaped device to the desired treatment areas for three minutes or more. Lyma (pronounced 'LEE-ma') says the Laser activates mitochondria in cells, 'producing collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid' and thickens the top epidermal layer to make skin look 'smoother, firmer and healthier.' Lyma says that clinical trials show that the device noticeably improves face and body skin texture and elasticit in as little as 12 weeks when used for 15 to 45 minutes daily. Unlike LED face masks, the Lyma Laser can be used over makeup and sunscreen. It boasts a two-hour battery life on a single charge and a 10-year lifespan.Lyma recommends using the device daily with its Oxygen Mist and Glide skin-care products (but you can also use your own favorite products); laser purchases include a free 30-day supply, and skin-care subscriptions are $149 per month. (Celebrity facialists Joanna Czech and Iván Pol use the Lyma Laser on starry clients, while celebrities including Selena Gomez, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Beckinsale, Amber Valletta, Sienna Miller and Kathy Hilton swear by the laser tool.)
BEST FOR SCALP
No. of LEDs: 17Wavelengths: Red (630nm)Treatment modes: 1Usage: Varies on your conditioning routinePower output: Rechargeable: Yes; USB-CWarranty: 2 years
$199 at Foreo
Known for their gentle silicone facial massagers, Sweden-based beauty tool brand Foreo's new Luna 4 Hair device combines red LED light with up to 6,500 pulsations per minute to help boost microcirculation, unclog pores and reduce oil buildup on the scalp. Designed to be used in or out of the shower with your hair conditioning routine, the 100 percent waterproof device 'clinically proven to reduce dandruff by 24 percent and oil on the scalp by 50 percent' within a month, and 97 percent of testers say they have thicker, shinier hair, per Foreo.
BEST INVESTMENT
No. of LEDs: 238Wavelengths: Red (630nmnm±10nm), blue (415nm±10nm), NIR (830nm±10nm)Treatment modes: 6Usage: 10 minutes, 2-5 times weeklyPower output: 29-44mW/cm2Portable/rechargeable: No; power supply requiredWarranty: 2 years
$1,900 at Shani Darden
$1,700 at Déesse (without Neck)
$1,900 at SEphora
Given that Hollywood aesthetician Shani Darden is a go-to for stars including Jessica Alba and Shay Mitchell, it's no surprise that success follows any product attached to her name. The actresses, along with Kate Hudson and Kim Kardashian, have turned up on social media looking like members of the Jabbawockeez while wearing the bestselling Shani Darden by Déesse Pro LED mask.Inspired by her iconic facials, Darden's mask features dual-diode LEDs that deliver red, blue and near-infrared light therapy to support collagen production, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes and target pigmentation. Bonus: This mask also comes with a custom-designed neck attachment to target fine lines and wrinkles on the decolletage and country-specific plug adapters so you bring it with you around the world.
There are several factors to consider as you're choosing the best LED device for yourself, says Nosworthy. Skin concerns, power output (or irradiance), size and design, safety, ease of use and budget are all important when selecting the right one. 'Choose FDA-cleared devices to ensure safety and efficacy, and look for built-in eye protection or use goggles if the device doesn't include them,' she says.
If you want to target signs of aging (such as fine lines and wrinkles), 'choose a device with red or near-infrared light,' notes Nosworthy. Blue light is best for addressing acne, while green light is the most helpful for pigmentation or redness. 'Combination devices may include multiple wavelengths for versatile treatment.'
She points out that 'higher power output means better penetration and faster results. Look for devices with a power output of at least 20-40mW/cm2 for effective treatment.'
For those who are minding their budget, 'professional-grade devices may cost more but deliver faster results, while affordable options are available but may require more consistent use to see effects.'
It's worth noting that not all LED face masks available online are safe or effected, which is why experts like Nosworthy recommend only buying FDA-cleared products.
When an LED light therapy device is 'FDA-cleared,' it means that the Food and Drug Administration has reviewed the data provided by the manufacturer and determined that the product is safe and effective for its intended uses (such as treating wrinkles, acne and dark spots) class II medical device. Most, if not all, LED beauty tools fall under this category, as the process takes anywhere between several months to years.
Long story short, no LED light therapy beauty devices on the market are FDA-approved. The government agency requires an extensive and rigorous five-step process that includes laboratory research, lab or animal testing, clinical tests and more that could take eight or more years. Because of this, experts recommend exercising caution before buying any LED beauty tools that are marketed as 'FDA-approved.'
Nosworthy recommends using the devices as recommended by their manufacturer — typically three to five times a week — for maximum effectiveness. 'Always use on clean, dry skin to maximize absorption and apply hydrating or soothing products afterward to lock in benefits.'
She reminds people to be patient: 'results often appear after four to eight weeks of regular use. By matching the wavelength to your specific skin concerns and ensuring the device meets safety and power standards, you can maximize the benefits of LED light therapy for your skincare routine.'Best of The Hollywood Reporter
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Existing recipients would remain covered but could face reduced benefits in the future. Starting in 2027, the state plans to introduce a $100 monthly premium for adults without satisfactory immigration status, attributed to higher-than-expected spending and a multi-billion-dollar budget shortfall. The pause in California is for undocumented adults who haven't already enrolled in Medi-Cal, not people already enrolled. It does not apply to those under age 19, as even those who turn 19 and are on Medi-Cal and remain income eligible will keep their coverage. In May, Newsom said: "We are not cutting or rolling back those that are already enrolled in our Medi-Cal system, we're just capping state has done more than the state of California, no state will continue to more than the state of California by a long shot. That's a point of pride and that's a point of privilege to be governor that's been part of that effort." Under Newsom, California became the first state to offer full-scope Medi-Cal to all low-income adults, regardless of immigration status—expanding access in phases to young adults in 2020, older adults in 2022 and all remaining adults in 2024. "Governor Newsom championed these expansions and remains committed to protecting the immigrant communities who contribute to the fabric and economy of California," Elana Ross, deputy communications director for Newsom's office, told Newsweek on Friday. "He refuses to turn his back on hard-working Californians, especially when it comes to their basic health care needs. "But because of the $16 billion Trump Slump and higher-than-expected health care utilization, the state must take difficult but necessary steps to ensure fiscal stability and preserve the long-term viability of Medi-Cal for all Californians." Proposed adjustments in California's 2025-26 budget would include a $100 monthly premium for certain adults, effective January 1, 2027, and applies to Medi-Cal enrollees age 19 and older with "unsatisfactory immigration status—in line with the average subsidized covered California premium, which is about $135 per month in 2025. The estimated general fund savings would be $2.1 billion by 2028-29. California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks at East Los Angeles College on February 26, 2025, in Monterey Park, California. California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks at East Los Angeles College on February 26, 2025, in Monterey Park, enrollment freeze for full-scope Medi-Cal for undocumented adults, effective no sooner than January 1, 2026, applies only to new adult applicants over 19. Nobody under such a freeze would be kicked off their health care. There would be no impact on limited-scope coverage (emergency, pregnancy services, etc.) and children would remain unaffected. The state, which has previously frozen a publicly sponsored coverage program during difficult budget years, has estimated general-fund savings to be $3.3 billion by 2028-29. Illinois: Full Program Termination Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has proposed ending the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program as of July 1. The program, launched in 2021, provided state-funded health coverage to more than 30,000 low-income undocumented adults. The decision is a response to higher-than-anticipated costs, aligning with broader deficit reduction efforts. Those previously enrolled will be left without similar coverage options. Newsweek reached out to Pritzker's office for comment. Minnesota: Removal From MinnesotaCare Pritzker specifically related his in-state efforts to what is happening in neighboring states like Minnesota, where Governor Tim Walz said he would sign a bill removing undocumented adults from MinnesotaCare, a state-funded program, by year's end. While coverage for undocumented adults will end, eligibility will continue for undocumented children. The bill reversed a major health policy expansion from 2023. Newsweek reached out to Walz's office for comment. Broader National Trend and Political Debate Congressional Republicans in Colorado, one of seven states offering health care regardless of immigration status, are urging Democratic Governor Jared Polis to rescind Medicaid eligibility for undocumented immigrants. A letter co-signed by Representatives Lauren Boebert, Jeff Crank and Gabe Evans referenced recent rollbacks in California and Minnesota, and cited concerns over rising costs and effects on the state's Medicaid program. The letter, in part, says that each new dollar invested in care for illegal immigrants is a dollar that could go to supporting long-term care for seniors or keeping rural hospitals open. "Congressman Gabe Evans believes Governor Polis should prioritize taxpayer-funded health care for citizens who need it most: single mothers, children and people with disabilities," a spokesperson for Evans told Newsweek on Friday. "Additionally, every dollar that Colorado hands out for free health care for illegal immigrants is money that can't be spent on seniors and rural hospitals." Newsweek reached out to Polis' office for comment. What Happens Next Debate in other states, such as New York and Washington, suggests that similar policy shifts could spread. Democratic governors pointed to financial constraints and anticipated federal funding cuts as primary reasons for reversing course. Pressures from federal proposals, such as a Trump-endorsed bill to reduce Medicaid support for states offering coverage to undocumented immigrants, are shaping state policies. States like New York and Washington are reviewing their own policies, signaling that further changes may be forthcoming as budget negotiations and federal actions continue.

3 days ago

Trump administration blocked from cutting local health funding for four municipalities

A federal court has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from clawing back millions in public health funding from four Democrat-led municipalities in GOP-governed states. It's the second such federal ruling to reinstate public health funding for several states. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper in Washington, D.C., issued a preliminary injunction Tuesday sought by district attorneys in Harris County, Texas, home to Houston, and three cities: Columbus, Ohio, Nashville, Tennessee, and Kansas City, Missouri. The decision means the federal government must reinstate funding to the four municipalities until the case is fully litigated. 'The federal government cannot simply ignore Congress and pull the plug on essential services that communities rely on,' Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee said. 'Today's decision ensures we can keep doing the work that protects our residents — from tracking disease outbreaks to providing vaccinations and supporting vulnerable families.' Their lawsuit, filed in late April, alleged $11 billion in cuts to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention programs had already been approved by Congress and are being unconstitutionally withheld. They also argued that the administration's actions violate Department of Health and Human Services regulations. The cities and counties argued the cuts were 'a massive blow to U.S. public health at a time where state and local public health departments need to address burgeoning infectious diseases and chronic illnesses, like the measles, bird flu, and mpox.' The cuts would lead to thousands of state and local public health employees being fired, the lawsuit argued. The local governments, alongside the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union, wanted the court to reinstate the grants nationwide. But Cooper said in his preliminary injunction that the funds can only be blocked to the four municipalities and in a May 21 hearing expressed skepticism about whether it could apply more widely. The funding in question was granted during the COVID-19 pandemic but aimed at building up public health infrastructure overall, Menefee said in a statement in April. The four local governments were owed about $32.7 million in future grant payments, Cooper's opinion notes. The federal government's lawyers said the grants were legally cut because, "Now that the pandemic is over, the grants and cooperative agreements are no longer necessary as their limited purpose has run out.' They used the same argument in the case brought by 23 states and the District of Columbia over the HHS funding clawback. Menefee said the cuts defunded programs in Harris County for wastewater disease surveillance, community health workers and clinics and call centers that helped people get vaccinated. Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein said the cuts forced the city to fire 11 of its 22 infectious disease staffers. Nashville used some of its grant money to support programs, including a 'strike team' that after the pandemic addressed gaps in health services that kept kids from being able to enroll in school, according to the lawsuit. Kansas City used one of its grants to build out capabilities to test locally for COVID-19, influenza and measles rather than waiting for results from the county lab. The suit details that after four years of work to certify facilities and train staff, the city 'was at the final step" of buying lab equipment when the grant was canceled. Representatives for HHS, the CDC and the cities did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday.