Becker's Healthcare August 27, 2024
Recently, Florida and Texas passed laws requiring hospitals that receive Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program funds to collect information about patient immigration status, KFF reported Aug. 26.
Although hospitals are required to collect this status, federal law dictates that it is not allowed to affect that patient’s care. In Florida, hospitals must also indicate that the response will not result in a report to immigration authorities. This requirement is not specified in Texas’ law.
The new regulations, along with other restrictions for undocumented immigrants, could increase fears among immigrant families, which may make them reluctant to seek care. A Politico report indicated Florida’s emergency Medicaid expenditures fell after the requirements were implemented because of a decreased use of...