On Thursday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) issued an executive order mandating hospitals to document the immigration status of their patients starting later this year. The purpose of this order is to evaluate the financial burden the state faces by providing medical care to individuals without permanent legal status.
Abbott took to social media to insist that the administration of Democratic President Joe Biden should reimburse Texas for what he described as “expensive” border policies.
“Texans should NOT have to pay for illegal immigrants’ healthcare,” the governor stated.
Federal law prohibits hospitals from denying emergency care to anyone, regardless of their immigration status or ability to pay.
Abbott argued that this policy forces Texans to bear “the financial burden of providing medical care to individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States, leading to higher taxes.”
Beginning November 1, 2024, the new rules will require hospitals to record the number of inpatient discharges and emergency visits by such immigrants, as well as the associated costs. The order also requires hospitals to submit quarterly reports to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, with the first reports due by March 1, 2025.
Additionally, starting in January 2026, hospitals will be required to present an annual report detailing the cost of care for these immigrants to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the state House.
Abbott emphasized that hospitals should inform patients that the information collected will not impact the care they receive.
