Texas Hospitals Report on Patient Status
Recent state data indicates that a significant number of patients visiting Texas hospitals last year, specifically from November to February, were asked about their residency status.
This information came to light after Republican Governor Greg Abbott enacted a law that mandates hospitals to inquire whether patients are legal residents of the U.S.
As reported by KXAN-TV, by the end of February, around 108,581 patients, or about 2.3% of all individuals seeking care, were acknowledged as undocumented. But it’s worth noting that this number isn’t definitive. The law doesn’t force patients to respond to these questions, leading to 12.9% of patients—approximately 617,000—choosing not to answer. Officials believe many of those who declined to disclose their citizenship likely fall under the category of undocumented individuals.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) revealed that the state spent an estimated $434 million on care for undocumented patients during this timeframe. Given the number of individuals who opted not to respond to the citizenship inquiries, some speculate this figure could be on the low side.
The purpose of these inquiries is to aid officials in quantifying the financial impact that undocumented immigrants have on the healthcare system in Texas.
Abbott emphasized that “Texans shouldn’t need to fund healthcare for illegal immigrants,” sharing his stance through an executive order that directs HHSC to track and report medical expenses incurred by undocumented individuals. He stated that he seeks reimbursement from the Biden administration for these costs attributed to what he describes as costly border policies.
Complicating matters, there are still around 140 hospitals that have not yet complied with the new reporting requirements. The HHSC has pointed out that 22.9% of hospitals in Texas are not fulfilling their obligations to report properly.
Abbott’s office continues to highlight the effects of undocumented individuals on the financial landscape of the state’s healthcare system, stating, “Texas now has dependable data highlighting the substantial financial burden of illegal immigration on our hospitals.” They also noted that thanks to efforts to secure the southern border, illegal crossings have decreased significantly, which, they hope, will also reduce healthcare costs.
Interestingly, Texas holds the distinction of having the highest uninsured rate in the nation at 17%. In 2023, hospitals in the state incurred $8.1 billion in “charity care” for uninsured patients.
Texas represents one of only two states with such reporting mandates for hospitals. Florida has similar regulations in place, requiring hospitals to report cases of undocumented immigrants seeking medical attention. Earlier this year, officials in Florida noted that unpaid hospital bills from undocumented patients amounted to $660 million.
