{"id":2359980,"date":"2024-10-26T13:11:02","date_gmt":"2024-10-26T17:11:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/uncompensated-care-for-migrants-flagged-as-burdensome-washington-examiner\/"},"modified":"2024-10-26T13:17:00","modified_gmt":"2024-10-26T17:17:00","slug":"uncompensated-care-for-migrants-flagged-as-burdensome-washington-examiner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/uncompensated-care-for-migrants-flagged-as-burdensome-washington-examiner\/","title":{"rendered":"Uncompensated care for migrants flagged as burdensome &#8211; Washington Examiner"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">20<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Funcompensated-care-for-migrants-flagged-as-burdensome-washington-examiner%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2359980&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The article discusses the impact of undocumented immigration on healthcare \u200bresources in the United States, particularly \u2064focusing on the strain it places on hospitals due to \u200buncompensated care. Uncompensated care refers to services provided without payment, \u2063which can negatively \u2064affect hospitals&#8217; operating margins as they are mandated by\u200c <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/waffle-arizona-house-speaker-claims-they-cant-enforce-constitution-wont-commit-to-calling-legislative-hearing\/\" title=\"WAFFLE: Arizona House Speaker Claims They Can\u2019t Enforce Constitution, Won\u2019t Commit To Calling Legislative Hearing\">federal law<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/metro-detroit-area-flooded-after-intense-storms-drop-heavy-rain\/\" title=\"Metro Detroit area flooded after intense storms drop heavy rain\">provide emergency services<\/a> \u200dto all \u200dpatients \u200cregardless of their payment\u2063 ability. <\/p>\n<p>In Pennsylvania, Representative\u200d Ryan Mackenzie has\u2063 introduced House Bill 2591, \u2063which aims to require hospitals\u2063 to report\u200d healthcare costs associated with \u200cundocumented migrants. This move follows similar legislative actions in Florida and Texas, where state laws now require hospitals \u2064to disclose patient citizenship status and track related \u200chealthcare expenditures, highlighting significant costs attributed to undocumented immigrants. For example, in Florida, care for undocumented immigrants cost over $566 million from June to December 2023.<\/p>\n<p>Mackenzie criticized the Biden administration&#8217;s immigration policies, asserting they contribute to increasing \u200cchallenges at \u200cthe border and within local communities, especially regarding\u2063 sanctuary cities. His proposed bill would mandate annual reporting from Pennsylvania hospitals, detailing care provided to undocumented immigrants and its financial implications, \u2064thus addressing \u2062the gap left by uncompensated \u200ccare.<\/p>\n<p>the article\u2062 emphasizes the financial burden on hospitals \u2062stemming from undocumented \u2064immigration and the legislative efforts being pursued to better understand and manage \u200bthese costs.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Uncompensated care for migrants flagged as burdensome<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_1845754\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>(The Center Square) &ndash; The surge of undocumented immigration in the U.S. strains resources far beyond the border, leaving many areas grappling with mounting pressures on social services.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>This includes hospitals that face the cost of uncompensated care.<\/p>\n<p>Uncompensated care refers to services provided without payment, such as charity care and unanticipated bad debt. Federal law mandates hospitals provide emergency services to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. But growing uncompensated care burdens can negatively affect hospitals&rsquo; operating margins.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Macungie, is the sponsor of House Bill 2591, which would require the reporting of costs associated with health care provided to undocumented migrants, similar to recent actions taken in Florida and Texas.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law requiring hospitals accepting Medicaid to report patient citizenship status. From June to December 2023, care for undocumented immigrants&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bi.ahca.myflorida.com\/t\/ABICC\/views\/IllegalAlienDataDashboard\/StatusReport202361-1231?%3Aembed=y&amp;%3AisGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&amp;%3Aorigin=card_share_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cost over $566 million<\/a><\/strong>. Similarly, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gov.texas.gov\/news\/post\/governor-abbott-issues-executive-order-requiring-texas-hospitals-to-collect-report-healthcare-costs-for-illegal-immigrants\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">issued an order<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;for state agencies to track healthcare costs for undocumented immigrants and seek federal reimbursement.<\/p>\n<p>Andy Briggs,&nbsp;a House Republican spokesman, told The Center Square he&rsquo;s unaware of any <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\">state laws explicitly prohibiting questioning individuals<\/a> about the status of their citizenship.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;In fact, there is a federal precedent for this requirement as applicants for Medical Assistance must provide satisfactory documentation of citizenship,&rdquo; he said.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Due to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/gop-senator-to-unveil-bill-to-reinstate-trumps-remain-in-mexico-policy-as-border-crisis-worsens\/\" title=\"GOP Senator To Unveil Bill To Reinstate Trump\u2019s \u2018Remain In Mexico\u2019 Policy As Border Crisis Worsens\">failed immigration policies<\/a> of the Biden administration, the situation at our borders continues to pose significant challenges,&rdquo; Mackenzie at a press conference announcing a&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.repmackenzie.com\/StopIllegalImmigrationPA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">package of bills<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;aimed at addressing undocumented immigration in the state.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Noting the record number of illegal border crossings over the past few years, he stated that Pennsylvania needs a better understanding of the community impact, particularly as it relates to sanctuary cities.<\/p>\n<p>Currently, hospitals can report uncompensated care costs to the Department of Health for reimbursement through the Hospital Uncompensated Care Program.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Mackenzie&rsquo;s legislation will require Pennsylvania hospitals to submit an annual report to the department, detailing the number of admissions and emergency room visits made by undocumented immigrants, the costs associated with those visits, the impact of uncompensated care on the cost or ability of hospitals to provide services to the public, hospital funding needs, and other related information.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>For hospitals to remain viable, many are forced to cover the financial gap left by uncompensated care by cutting costs&nbsp;and increasing revenue from paying patients, insurance companies, and government programs. This ultimately results in higher costs being passed down to taxpayers, patients and insurance providers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Liam Migdail, vice president of strategic communications for the Hospital Association of Pennsylvania, declined to comment on the issue, citing an unfamiliarity with the proposed legislation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council, or PHC4, which has reported on the financial health of the state&rsquo;s hospitals since 1989, says &ldquo;a high-quality, cost-effective healthcare system depends on financially stable hospitals and health systems.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>The council&rsquo;s 2023 financial&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.phc4.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/fin2023report_volumeone.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">report<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;found that 51% of the state&rsquo;s general acute care hospitals posted a negative operating margin &ndash; 15% had margins between 0-4%, and 34% were above 4%. The statewide average operating margin decreased 2.11 percentage points, dropping from 4.37% in 2022 to 2.26% in 2023.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The forgone dollar value for statewide uncompensated care increased 2.9% &ndash; from $752 million in 2022 to $774 million in 2023.<\/p>\n<p>In 2022, Pennsylvania, with 12.5 million residents, had an immigrant population of 7.8%, including 3.3% noncitizens. An estimated 5.4% of the population, or 672,800 people, were uninsured, according to&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/statedata\/election-state-fact-sheets\/pennsylvania\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">KFF<\/a><\/strong>, a nonprofit that conducts health policy research.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The package of bills also includes requiring the use of E-Verify for state grant recipients, and employment in the meatpacking, food processing, and lodging industries; banning out-of-state driver&rsquo;s licenses for undocumented immigrants; protecting unaccompanied immigrant children; and cracking down on human traffickers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_1845754\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"1845754\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Uncompensated care for migrants seen as a burden<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2359981,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/PA-State-Capitol-scaled-1024x683.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[538],"tags":[43033,5371,43774,35107],"class_list":["post-2359980","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-washington-examiner","tag-healthcarepolicy","tag-migrants","tag-uncompensatedcare","tag-washingtonexaminer"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/PA-State-Capitol-scaled-1024x683.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2359980","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2359980"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2359980\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2359981"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2359980"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2359980"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2359980"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}