On Thursday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order requiring hospitals and healthcare providers to report the costs associated with treating illegal immigrants.

Abbott's order, which takes effect on Nov. 1, 2024, mandates that hospitals submit detailed data on the number of visits and the total expenses incurred in providing care to these individuals, a move that comes as part of his broader strategy to address the ongoing border crisis and hold the Biden-Harris administration financially accountable, as the Washington Examiner reports.

The new executive order compels hospitals to submit their first report by March 1, 2025. After this initial deadline, hospitals will be required to continue reporting the relevant data on a quarterly basis.

This marks a significant shift in healthcare reporting, as hospitals previously did not inquire about the legal status of patients when providing care.

Abbott's Response to Border Crisis Influences Decision

Abbott's directive is rooted in his long-standing criticism of the Biden-Harris administration’s border policies, which he claims have led to a substantial financial burden on Texas. According to Abbott, over 11 million people have crossed the southern border illegally since the Biden administration took office, exacerbating the strain on state resources.

In a statement, Abbott emphasized that this order would not affect the quality of care provided to patients, regardless of their immigration status.

He reiterated that under federal law, hospitals are required to provide life-saving treatment to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.

Hospitals Face New Requirements Amid Political Tensions

The executive order represents a significant administrative change for hospitals, which will now need to track and report the costs associated with treating illegal immigrants.

This data will be submitted to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, where it will be compiled and used to support Abbott’s efforts to bill the federal government for these expenses.

Abbott has been vocal about his belief that Texas should not have to bear the financial burden of providing medical care to illegal immigrants. He argues that these costs are a direct result of what he describes as the federal government's "open border policies."

Comparison with Other States' Approaches

The financial impact of providing healthcare to illegal immigrants has been a contentious issue across the United States. In 2021, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton estimated that public hospital districts in the state incur between $579 million and $717 million annually in uncompensated care for illegal immigrants. These figures underscore the significant costs that the state absorbs due to its proximity to the southern border.

In contrast, California has taken a different approach by passing legislation in January 2024 that provides health insurance to illegal immigrants.

While this move has been praised by some as a humanitarian effort, it has also led to increased financial strain on the state. Federal lawmakers estimate that California’s healthcare law for illegal immigrants could cost between $3 billion and $6 billion annually.

Impact on Sanctuary Cities and Broader National Implications

Abbott’s executive order also ties into his broader strategy of addressing the migrant crisis by transporting migrants to so-called "sanctuary cities," such as New York City and Chicago.

These cities, which have pledged to support immigrants regardless of their legal status, have struggled with the rising costs associated with the influx of migrants.

The ongoing debate over the financial responsibilities of states and the federal government in managing the border crisis has only intensified with this latest move. Abbott's strategy aims to shift some of the financial responsibility back to the federal government, which he believes should bear the costs associated with its immigration policies.

Conclusion: Abbott's Order Signals New Chapter in Immigration Debate

Gov. Greg Abbott's executive order requiring Texas hospitals to report the costs associated with treating illegal immigrants represents a new chapter in the ongoing national debate over immigration and healthcare.

By mandating quarterly reporting and planning to bill the federal government, Abbott seeks to highlight the financial strain that he argues has been placed on Texas due to federal border policies.

As the order takes effect and hospitals begin to report this data, the broader implications for both Texas and the nation will continue to unfold.