Texas taxpayers are facing a staggering new cost, as the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) reported nearly $122 million spent on healthcare for illegal migrants in November alone. This figure, based on new mandatory reporting, suggests the true cost could be even higher due to underreporting.
In November, hospitals in Texas recorded over 31,000 instances of non-citizens utilizing emergency and inpatient services. The new reporting stems from an executive order signed by Governor Greg Abbott last August, requiring hospitals to document the number of illegal migrants they treat and the associated costs. The HHSC warned that the $121.8 million estimate might be conservative, given that some migrants do not disclose their immigration status during hospital intake.
The executive order mandates quarterly reports detailing inpatient discharges, emergency department visits, and the financial burden on the state. With November’s numbers alone, if this trend continues monthly, Texas could be looking at nearly $1.46 billion in annual costs tied to illegal migrant healthcare.
Governor Abbott defended the move when signing the executive order, stating, “Texans should NOT have to foot the bill for illegal immigrants healthcare.” The data collection aims to provide transparency on the fiscal impact of illegal immigration on state healthcare systems without denying care to anyone in need.
Texas is not alone in this effort. Florida, under a similar law, reported $660 million in unpaid medical bills incurred by illegal migrants. Like Texas, Florida hospitals must also report figures but continue to provide necessary services regardless of a patient’s immigration status.
Despite these states’ proactive steps toward transparency, the massive taxpayer burden highlights the growing healthcare strain illegal immigration places on state resources.
The staggering healthcare costs come as Texas continues to grapple with record-high illegal border crossings, straining not only hospitals but also law enforcement and social services. Border states have long warned that unchecked immigration places an unsustainable burden on their communities, and the latest figures from HHSC offer concrete evidence of the financial toll on hardworking Texans.
