Illegal immigration is bleeding Texas hospitals dry. In November 2024, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission reported that illegal aliens racked up $121.8 million in medical costs across 31,000 hospital visits. This staggering figure has sparked urgent action from state leaders.
The Daily Wire reported that Governor Greg Abbott responded by ordering the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to track these costs quarterly.
The goal is to shed light on the financial burden illegal immigration places on Texas healthcare. The first comprehensive annual report is slated for release in January 2026.
Texas hospitals are grappling with a crisis fueled by unchecked borders. The $121.8 million in costs for just one month underscores the strain on resources meant for American citizens. Abbott’s order aims to ensure transparency and accountability.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s data collection is a direct response to the crisis. By mandating quarterly reports, Abbott seeks to quantify the impact of illegal immigration on healthcare. This move has been hailed as a step toward protecting Texas taxpayers.
The Texas Legislature is now considering a bill to codify Abbott’s order into state law. Such legislation would require hospitals to submit data on illegal alien visits and costs. This could solidify efforts to address the issue systematically.
Andrew Mahaleris, Abbott’s press secretary, emphasized the strain on hospitals. “Illegal immigrants are straining the Texas hospital system,” he said. He noted that Abbott’s directive provides “reliable data” on the financial toll.
Mahaleris also highlighted the broader implications of the data. “Texas has reliable data on the dramatic financial impact,” he stated. This transparency could shape future policy decisions in the state.
The costs are not unique to Texas. A 2023 House Homeland Security Committee report revealed Florida hospitals faced $312 million in costs from illegal aliens in fiscal year 2023, with only $100 million reimbursed. A single hospital in Yuma, Arizona, reported $26 million in uncompensated care.
Historical data paints an even grimmer picture. From 2006 to 2008, Texas hospitals incurred between $597 million and $717 million in uncompensated care for illegal aliens, according to the 2023 report. These figures highlight a longstanding issue that continues to escalate.
The Federation for American Immigration Reform estimated that illegal immigration costs the U.S. $150 billion annually. This figure accounts for tax contributions from illegal aliens, yet the net burden remains immense. Costs have surged by billions in recent years, per the study.
Texas’s $121.8 million monthly hospital bill is a microcosm of this national crisis. The data underscores the need for stronger border policies to alleviate the strain on public resources. Hospitals are stretched thin, and taxpayers bear the brunt.
Mahaleris suggested that federal action could help. He pointed to President Donald Trump’s deportation operations, stating they “may cause these healthcare costs to decline.” Such measures could ease the burden on states like Texas.
The push to make Abbott’s order a state law reflects growing frustration with federal inaction. By requiring hospitals to report data, Texas could set a precedent for other states. This legislation is seen as a practical response to a pressing issue.
The November 2024 data has galvanized state leaders. With $121.8 million in costs for just 31,000 visits, the urgency is clear. Texas is taking steps to protect its healthcare system from further strain.