Florida Hospitals Report Low Number of Undocumented Immigrant Patients Despite High Costs
A recent report from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration reveals that less than 1% of hospital patients in Florida claim they are not legally in the U.S., despite the state spending an estimated $660 million on healthcare for undocumented immigrants in 2024. The data, highlighting a discrepancy between the number of patients and the costs incurred, has sparked discussions on the financial burden on Florida taxpayers.
The report, which was obtained by Florida Phoenix, also notes that hospitals are now required to verify the legal status of patients. This policy shift comes in response to the significant costs associated with providing care to undocumented immigrants. Critics argue that the figures might be underreported, suggesting that the actual number of undocumented patients could be higher than stated.
Local news outlets, including CBS12 and The News-Press, have covered the issue extensively, pointing out that the $660 million spent by Florida taxpayers represents a substantial financial commitment. The debate continues on how to address the rising costs and the ethical considerations of healthcare access for all individuals, regardless of legal status.
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