Texas hospitals will begin asking patients whether they are legally in the U.S. and confirming their legal status, following an order from Republican Gov. Greg Abbott that escalates his conflict with the Biden administration over immigration. We need to track treatment costs for people who don’t.
KPRC 2 first reported on Abbott’s order in August.
Critics fear the change will scare people away from Texas hospitals, even though patients won’t have to answer any questions to receive care.
The mandate is similar to a policy introduced last year in Florida, where Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has frequently criticized the federal government’s response to illegal border crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Texas hospitals have spent months preparing for the change and trying to reassure patients that it would not affect their level of care.
Several Houston hospitals have contacted us, including Houston Methodist Hospital, which said in a statement:
“As required by Texas law, when we register patients, we ask them if they are a legal resident. Patients can say yes, no, or refuse to answer. We then report the total number on a quarterly basis. ”
In his memory, Mr. Hermann released the following statement:
“Beginning November 1, 2024, Memorial Hermann Hospital will comply with new state requirements.”
St. Luke’s Health referred KPRC 2 to a statement from the Texas Hospital Association as part of its comment.
Meanwhile, Harris Health shared the following statement with KPRC 2’s Jason Nguyen:
“Harris Health is a mission-driven organization that deeply values every member of our community, and those who choose to work here are committed to providing compassionate care to all who seek our services. I am committed to doing so.
“As required by the Texas Governor’s Executive Order GA-46, Harris Health is prepared to fully comply with this new reporting requirement to Texas Health and Human Services.
“We want to reassure all of our patients and community members that as a result of this requirement, Harris Health will not share any personal information with the state or other agencies, regardless of how they respond to citizenship status questions. , we want to assure you that your personal information will not be shared with you in any way that prevents you from receiving care at a Harris Health emergency room or hospital.”
Here’s what you need to know:
You need to ask questions, but you don’t need to answer them
Under an executive order issued by Mr. Abbott in August, hospitals must ask patients whether they are U.S. citizens and whether they are legally present in the country.
As required by federal law, patients have the right to withhold information and hospital staff must tell patients that their actions will not affect their treatment.
Track hospital costs and patient data
Hospitals don’t have to start filing reports with the state until March. An early draft of a spreadsheet created by state health officials to track the data does not include fields for patient names or personal information.
Healthcare providers complete a breakdown of inpatient and emergency patient visits and document whether they are legally present in the United States, nationals, or not lawfully present in the United States.
This report also adds costs for people covered by the Children’s Health Insurance Program, known as Medicaid or CHIP. and the costs for patients who don’t have it.
“Texans should not have to bear the burden of financially supporting the health care of illegal immigrants,” Abbott said when announcing the policy.
Texas follows Florida
Florida enacted a similar law last year. Health care advocates say the law has scared immigrants in need of emergency medical care, making them less likely to seek help, even in facilities not covered by the law.
By the state’s own admission, early data for Florida is limited. Data is self-reported. According to the Florida report, anyone can refuse to answer, and about 8% of people hospitalized and 7% of emergency department visits from June to December 2023 chose this option. It is said that he did. Less than 1% of people who went to the emergency room or were hospitalized reported being in the U.S. “illegally.”
Texas hospitals are preparing
Immigrant and health care advocates have sought to educate Texans about their rights. In Florida, the group used text messages, posters and emails to disseminate information. But local advocates say the fear has shown no signs of abating for nearly a year.
Health care providers received direction from the state and guidance from the Texas Hospital Association.
“It’s important for patients to know that this does not change hospital care. Texas hospitals will continue to be safe places to get the care you need,” said Carey Williams, spokesperson for the hospital association. said.
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