Gov. Greg Abbott has signed an executive order requiring Texas hospitals to document the healthcare costs of treating illegal immigrants. Abbott announced that the Biden-Harris administration should be responsible for covering these costs, which he argues have been imposed on Texas due to federal border policies. The order marks another effort by Abbott to address what he views as the negative impact of these policies on Texas.
Effective November 1, 2024, the order mandates that hospitals track and report the number of illegal immigrants receiving care, including the costs of inpatient and emergency services. This data will be compiled into annual reports, with the first due on January 1, 2026, to be submitted to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House. Abbott has made it clear that while patient care will not be affected, the state must take steps to document and reclaim these costs.
Abbott’s executive order is part of his broader effort to challenge federal immigration policies and ensure that Texas is compensated for the financial burdens they create. By tracking these healthcare costs, Abbott aims to hold the Biden-Harris administration accountable and secure federal reimbursement. This move underscores Abbott’s ongoing commitment to defending Texas’s interests against what he perceives as flawed federal policies.
