Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive order that requires Texas hospitals to meticulously track the costs associated with providing healthcare to illegal immigrants. Abbott’s directive comes as part of his ongoing criticism of the Biden-Harris administration’s border policies, which he argues have placed an unfair financial burden on the state. The Governor emphasized that Texas taxpayers should not have to cover these costs and vowed to seek reimbursement from the federal government.
The executive order, set to take effect on November 1, 2024, instructs hospitals to begin collecting data on the number of illegal immigrants treated, along with the costs incurred for inpatient and emergency care. This information will be compiled into detailed reports, with the first one due in January 2026. These reports are to be submitted to Texas’s top officials, including the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House. Abbott assured that the order would not disrupt patient care but is necessary to ensure that the federal government is held accountable for the financial strain on the state’s healthcare system.
Abbott’s move is the latest in his broader strategy to counter federal immigration policies that he believes have disproportionately impacted Texas. By documenting the financial toll on the state’s healthcare system, Abbott aims to bolster his case for federal reimbursement. This executive order underscores his commitment to ensuring that Texas is not left to bear the costs of what he views as federal failures in border security.
