Texas hospitals to ask patients about immigration status starting November

In November, Texas hospitals enrolled in state health plans, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program will begin inquiring about patients' immigration status. This initiative follows a similar law implemented in Florida in July 2023, which aimed to address illegal immigration by requiring hospitals to ask patients about their legal status. Advocates in Florida have worked to clarify that individual information would not be reported to the state, yet many patients remain fearful of seeking medical care due to potential repercussions. The Florida law has led to a significant number of patients declining to answer questions about their immigration status, with nearly 8% of hospital admissions and 7% of emergency room visits opting out. Less than 1% of patients admitted or treated in emergency rooms reported being in the U.S. illegally. Despite the law's intent, it has raised concerns among immigrant advocacy groups about its impact on healthcare access and the well-being of vulnerable populations. Both Texas and Florida have a history of challenging federal immigration policies through state legislation. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration has acknowledged limitations in its analysis of the law's effects, particularly regarding unpaid care for undocumented individuals. The agency noted that the decline in unpaid bills for hospitals over the past decade cannot be directly linked to the presence of undocumented immigrants. As Texas prepares to implement this law, the potential consequences for immigrant communities and healthcare access remain a significant concern. Advocates argue that such measures are demeaning and may deter individuals from seeking necessary medical care, ultimately affecting public health outcomes in these states.