An increase of illegal immigrants is straining hospitals. Local governments are spending money to pay for medical care, education, and other services for these undocumented individuals.
Even states not directly bordered are feeling its effects. Florida hospitals have spent millions to treat children of illegal aliens who entered illegally.
Costs to Local Hospitals
Care costs associated with undocumented migrants can quickly mount. Under Medicare-participating hospitals’ mandate to provide emergency treatment regardless of citizenship status and ability to pay, emergency Medicaid payments cover these expenses.
Undocumented immigrants do not qualify for public health programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), until they have lived here for at least five years. However, emergency Medicaid and school meal programs still provide some federal aid.
Studies reveal that immigrants pay more in taxes and premiums than native-born Americans; thus making some argue it would be unfair to hold them responsible for rising health care costs. They may be less likely to use services due to cultural or language barriers, or fearing deportation due to anti-immigration rhetoric and policies, or may simply avoid seeking care altogether due to cultural/language differences; additionally they are vulnerable due to occupational illnesses and injuries.
Uninsured Immigrants
Cities and states are shouldering massive costs to house and support the tens of thousands of illegal immigrants released into their communities rather than detained. New York City alone is expected to incur expenses in excess of $12 billion through 2025 in caring for these residents – without considering healthcare costs for these newcomers.
Undocumented immigrants are generally barred from most federally funded public insurance programs like Medicare, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), leaving them more susceptible to being uninsured compared to citizens.
Concerns over expanded immigration enforcement have caused many individuals to avoid doctor visits and enroll in government-funded coverage for fear it will have an adverse impact on their citizenship applications. This can have serious repercussions, such as missing lifesaving treatments or increasing risks of infection; as a result, community leaders must emphasize that all members don’t fear going to hospitals – including making sure community health centers and low-cost clinics are accessible by all members.
Undocumented Immigrants in the U.S.
Undocumented immigrants and their family members spend billions each year on government services, such as insurance premiums and taxes that subsidize health-care costs for native-born Americans. Research demonstrates that illegal-immigrant households on average possess only an eighth grade education level; oftentimes the heads work low-wage service industries with meager wages.
MPI estimates reveal a growing share of undocumented immigrants holding or arriving with some sort of temporary status such as Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals allowing them to work but without permanent legal status; our estimates also include those seeking asylum.
Concerned about increased enforcement under the Trump administration, some people have begun adjusting their lives, opting out of appointments and vaccinations that would help manage chronic conditions more quickly, according to doctors and advocates. A DC-area mother with two children living illegally says she fears visiting unfamiliar physicians; last year a clinic near there became the scene of undercover agents trying to gain entry to patients’ private medical records through covert means.
Undocumented Immigrants in Texas
As part of his midterm election campaign, President Trump has raised fears over undocumented immigration. According to him, illegal immigration costs the U.S. billions each year; harms American workers; burdens local hospitals; undermines public safety; and is unfair towards poor Americans, according to him.
But mounting evidence disproves his claim. Contrary to what Trump says, immigrants are integral parts of America’s economy – providing jobs in agriculture, construction and other fields; in turn paying billions each year in taxes.
Texas immigrant households make up 15% of state tax revenue; yet its state legislature is now trying to short-circuit debate by pushing through a radical anti-immigrant bill which allows local police to arrest anyone entering without legal permission – this could have serious health ramifications, including reduced visits to hospitals for routine care and delays in getting treatment for chronic diseases that can become costly and complicated conditions in later years.
