As States Diverge on Immigration, Hospitals Say They Won’t Turn Patients Away
California Advises Health Care Providers to Protect Immigrant Patients
California is advising health care providers not to write down patients’ immigration status on bills and medical records and telling them they don’t have to assist federal agents in arrests. This guidance is part of a broader effort to protect immigrant patients and ensure they receive the care they need without fear of deportation.
Massachusetts Hospitals and Clinics Post Privacy Rights in Emergency and Waiting Rooms
Some Massachusetts hospitals and clinics are posting privacy rights in emergency and waiting rooms in Spanish and other languages. This move is aimed at reassuring immigrant patients that their privacy will be respected and that they will not be asked about their immigration status.
Florida and Texas Require Health Care Facilities to Ask About Immigration Status
Meanwhile, Florida and Texas are requiring health care facilities to ask about the immigration status of patients and tally the cost to taxpayers of providing care to immigrants living in the U.S. without authorization.
Hospitals Around the U.S. Say Patients Won’t Be Turned Away for Care
Despite the differing guidelines, hospitals around the U.S. say patients won’t be turned away for care because of their immigration status. “None of this changes the care patients receive,” said Carrie Williams, a spokesperson for the Texas Hospital Association. “We don’t want people to avoid care and worsen because they are concerned about immigration questions.”
Immigrant Patients Face Unique Challenges
Immigrant patients face unique challenges in accessing health care, including language barriers, lack of insurance, and fear of deportation. According to the 2023 KFF-Los Angeles Times Survey of Immigrants, half of immigrant adults likely without authorization are uninsured, compared with fewer than 1 in 10 citizens.
Conclusion
As the Trump administration continues to push for stricter immigration policies, hospitals and health care providers are working to ensure that immigrant patients receive the care they need without fear of deportation. While some states are requiring health care facilities to ask about immigration status, others are advising providers to protect immigrant patients and respect their privacy.
FAQs
Q: What is the Trump administration’s stance on immigration and health care?
A: The Trump administration has been pushing for stricter immigration policies, including requiring health care facilities to ask about immigration status and tally the cost to taxpayers of providing care to immigrants living in the U.S. without authorization.
Q: How do hospitals and health care providers protect immigrant patients?
A: Hospitals and health care providers are working to protect immigrant patients by advising providers to respect their privacy and not ask about their immigration status. Some states are also requiring providers to post privacy rights in emergency and waiting rooms.
Q: What are the challenges faced by immigrant patients in accessing health care?
A: Immigrant patients face unique challenges in accessing health care, including language barriers, lack of insurance, and fear of deportation. According to the 2023 KFF-Los Angeles Times Survey of Immigrants, half of immigrant adults likely without authorization are uninsured, compared with fewer than 1 in 10 citizens.
