TEXAS’ ORDER TO ASK HOSPITAL PATIENTS’ CITIZENSHIP STATUS RENEWS FOCUS ON THE STATE’S LARGE UNINSURED POPULATION
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5500 N. McColl Rd. Ste A, McAllen, Texas 78504
October 23, 2024
Month, an ideal time to focus on bone health and learn ways to prevent common issues.
exercise can prevent these injuries.
improve joint health.
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery in which small incisions are made to repair damage inside the hip joint. This procedure helps fix a tear in the labrum, a ring of cartilage around the hip, and removes any extra bone that might be causing pain or stiffness, potentially delaying the early onset of arthritis.
Tommy John surgery is a well-known procedure, especially for baseball players, that repairs a damaged ligament in the elbow. The surgery uses a tendon from another part of the body to replace the injured ligament, allowing athletes to regain strength and movement in their arms, often helping them return to their sport.
“I’m excited to be able to provide these advanced surgeries to Valley residents,” Ahmad said. “Both hip arthroscopy and Tommy John surgery provide athletes with a second chance at full recovery and painfree movement.”
By Heriberto Perez–Zuñiga
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS– Aching bones are more than just a sign of aging. They’re a signal from your body that something may need closer attention.
Dr. Aamir Ahmad, orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon at UT Health RGV, said bone and joint issues are becoming more prevalent, especially as people age or remain physically active without proper preventative care.
“Maintaining joint health starts with being proactive,” he said. “Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and consulting with specialists early can significantly prevent long-term damage.”
With cooler weather looming, October marks Bone and Joint Health Awareness
The most common bone and joint issues Ahmad encounters are soft tissue injuries, including rotator cuff tears (muscle tears to the tendons around the shoulder joint), ACL injuries (tears to the ligaments that cross in the middle of the knee), meniscus (the rubbery knee cartilage) tears, and tendinitis (tendon inflammation).
The United States Bone and Joint Initiative reports that more than 54% of the population over 18 has some form of musculoskeletal issue. The number increases to nearly 70% for people 65 or older.
Ahmad said many people don’t realize the importance of prevention, and that building muscle strength through resistance, weight training and regular cardiovascular
“People often overlook how vital strength training is to maintain healthy joints,” he said. “It’s not just about keeping fit. It’s about protecting your joints from wear and tear.”
Athletes and active individuals are especially vulnerable to joint injuries because of the physical demands of their activities. Ahmad stressed the importance of incorporating a consistent stretching routine before competitions, and a weightlifting regime to keep muscles strong and balanced.
“Overuse injuries are common in athletes,” Ahmad said. “It’s the responsibility of athletes and their coaches to ensure training doesn’t lead to long-term damage.”
For cases where conservative treatments aren’t enough, surgery – such as hip arthroscopy and Tommy John – can significantly
Long-term bone and joint health is closely tied to lifestyle choices, Ahmad said, and in addition to regular exercise, posture and diet are crucial in preventing joint diseases. He recommends an anti-inflammatory diet rich in protein, fruits, vegetables and healthy carbohydrates.
“What you eat directly reduces inflammation in your body, which can help prevent joint pain in the long term,” he said. “Small lifestyle changes can make a big impact.”
Ahmad advises seeking medical consultation early for those experiencing early signs of joint pain or discomfort.
“Don’t panic,” he said. “Many of these early joint issues can be treated with conservative management, including changes in lifestyle, diet and exercise. Your bones and joints are essential to your quality of life – don’t wait until there’s a problem to start caring for them.”
For more information on orthopedic care or to schedule an appointment with a specialist, visit UTHealthRGV.org.
BY ANDRES OPPENHEIMER
The recent vote that turned down Saudi Arabia’s bid for a seat at the United Nations’ top human rights body was applauded by many as a big triumph for the human rights cause. But, sadly, the U.N.’s main human rights group has long been, and will continue to be, a joke.
The 47-member U.N. Human Rights Council, whose latest members were elected by the 193-member General Assembly on Oct. 9, will continue to have among its most active member countries dictatorships such as Cuba, China and Sudan.
About 60% of the Council’s member countries are either full-blown dictatorships, like Cuba and China, or non-democratic states, human rights advocates say.
Incredibly, these Council members were elected through a secret vote by all U.N. member countries under guidelines that require Council members to “uphold the highest standards of promotion and protection of human rights.” Yes, you read right: Cuba, China and Sudan, among many other systematic rights abusers, were elected under these criteria.
The Council meets regularly to review the human rights record of all countries and appoints independent investigators to look into possible abuses.
Among the 18 countries that were elected or reelected by the General Assembly for the Council’s 2025-2027 period is Qatar, which commits serious human rights violations and reportedly provides financial aid to Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist organizations. Qatar has justified its aid to Hamas saying they were necessary to support Palestinian families in need.
Bolivia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia were also elected for the upcoming Council period despite being ”unqualified” to serve on the panel, according to a joint statement by the U.N. Watch, the Human Rights Foundation and the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights.
Mexico and Colombia, which were also elected for the Council’s new period, were described by the three human rights groups’ joint statement as “questionable” choices, in part because of their dubious U.N. voting records.
Asked why so many autocratic states are elected, U.N. Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer told me that “the truth is that the worst regimes seek election more than anybody else.”
He added, “If you are Costa Rica, or another country that is not a serious human rights offender, you are not as motivated to seek a seat at the Council as dictatorships that seek to shield their gross abuses, and to use the seats for propaganda.”
As a result, dictatorships often offer democratic countries their votes for economic and trade committees in exchange for support for their bids to get a seat at the Human Rights Council.
The United States, whose term as Council member ends this year, did not run for reelection. It’s not clear whether it didn’t want to continue being a member because it gave up hopes of being able to reform it from within, or to avoid being the target of daily accusations for its support for Israel.
The U.N. Council is well known for its anti-Israel bias. Between its creation in 2006 and mid-2023, the Council issued 103 resolutions against Israel, compared with 16 against North Korea, 14 against Iran, three against Venezuela and none against China, Cuba or Saudi Arabia, according to U.N. Watch.
Summing up, the top U.N. human rights body is a mutual protection society where the world’s most brutal dictatorships help one another reject human rights accusations, and vote to punish their enemies.
It should be disbanded just as its predecessor, the U.N. Human Rights Commission, was in 2006. At the time, democratic countries at the U.N. General Assembly concluded that it was too corrupt and dishonest to continue existing, and that it should be replaced by a new human rights body.
But the U.N. Human Rights Council that was created in its place has been — again — hijacked by criminal regimes. It should be closed down, because it makes a mockery of the cause of human rights.
The community is thrilled to announce the groundbreaking of the new McAllen Campground, a remarkable 20-acre park that promises to be a haven for outdoor lovers and nature enthusiasts. This new space will feature a stunning gazebo, providing a picturesque spot for gatherings and relaxation.
In addition to the gazebo, the campground will include various amenities designed to enhance outdoor experiences. Visitors can look forward to well-equipped campsites, an archery range for both beginners and experienced archers, and a fishing dock where anglers can enjoy a day by the water. The kayak launch dock will offer easy access to nearby waterways, making it a perfect spot for those who love paddling and exploring nature from the water.
Scenic trails will wind through the campground, inviting hikers, joggers, and nature walkers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors.
As this exciting project unfolds, the community is encouraged to stay tuned for updates on the campground’s development. The McAllen Campground is set to become a beloved destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to connect with nature.
Stay engaged as we bring this fantastic new space to life!
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By Sneha Dey, The Texas Tribune
“Nearly half of Texas high school students who earn college credits are Hispanic, study says” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
Nearly half of all public high school students in Texas who earn college credits before they graduate are Hispanic, a new study found. That makes Texas a national leader in closing the gap between Hispanic and non-Hispanic students who participate in dual credit programs.
Hispanic students in dual credit classes, however, graduate from college at a lower rate compared to peers who were also in those programs, underscoring the need to strengthen the transition from high school to college for students of color.
“We both have to focus on equalizing access to dual credit and providing dual credit students with the supports they need to go to college and complete college,” John Fink, a researcher with the Community College Research Center, said.
The Community College Research Center used National Student Clearinghouse data to look at high school juniors and seniors in 2015 who were enrolled in a dual credit course and tracked where they went in their
first four years out of high school. Researchers selected that particular group of students to study the long term effects of dual credit on educational attainment. The researchers said it’s the first of its kind to break down dual credit outcomes by race, socioeconomic status and age by state.
The study found Black student participation, meanwhile, has lagged behind. Black students made up 8% of dual credit programs in the state, compared to 13% of Texas high school enrollment, according to a report on dual credit released Tuesday.
When Texas students made plans after high school, about half of dual enrollment students returned to the community college where they took dual credit classes for at least one term, according to the report’s findings.
The number of dual-credit students in Texas and around the country has ballooned in the past 10 years. Education leaders have seen dual credit programs as a way to encourage students to pursue higher education by giving them a chance to familiarize themselves with a college environment in high school. Earning college credit while still in high school has been linked to a higher educational attainment.
Texas legislators even changed how they finance community colleges to incentivize dual credit last year. Community colleges now get more money when high school students earn at least 15 college credit hours on their campuses. As part of the new funding system, state lawmakers also created the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer, or FAST, program, which gives community colleges extra money if they offer college-level courses at no cost to low-income students who qualify for free and reduced price lunch.
In the past year alone, dual credit participation has grown at record numbers, with about 250,000 students taking advantage of the FAST program to take dual credit classes at no cost, Sarah Keyton, the interim commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, said in testimony in front of the Senate Higher Education Committee last month.
The Texas Tribune partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage.
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2024/10/16/texas-dual-enrollment-high-school-community-college/.
The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.
The highly anticipated inaugural nonstop flight from Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) to Monterrey, Mexico, officially took off on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
To celebrate this milestone, a special ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the airport. Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez, District 2 City Commissioner Linda C. Macias, Airport Director Angel Ramos, Aerus Airlines’ CEO, and other local officials were in attendance. The inaugural flight arrived from Monterrey, welcoming passengers to Brownsville before reloading and returning to Monterrey.
With daily flights now connecting Brownsville to Monterrey, this new service by Aerus Airlines offers our community more convenience and expanded travel options.
City and airport officials have worked
diligently to secure this new service, and adding Aerus Airlines marks a significant achievement for Brownsville’s transportation network. With daily flights now available to Monterrey, passengers will enjoy more convenience and a broader range of travel options.
Officials emphasized the importance of this new route, citing the strong connections between Brownsville and Monterrey. Many local residents have personal ties to Monterrey and its surrounding areas, and the city also plays a key role in Brownsville’s economic landscape. The Port of Brownsville, through which a large volume of goods flows, maintains a robust relationship with Monterrey. This direct flight and daily service will reinforce these connections, providing more significant opportunities for local businesses and residents.
RIO GRANDE VALLEY – Seven former The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) baseball student-athletes competed professionally in 2024, including Brandon Pimentel (202223), Kevin Stevens (2020-22), CJ Valdez (2024), Colten Davis (2019-23), J.C. Ariza (2021-23), Roberto Gonzalez (2023), and Kris Massey (2023).
Brandon Pimentel (2022-23)
Fredericksburg Nationals (Class A, Carolina League)
Brandon Pimentel, who primarily played first base and left field for UTRGV from 2022-23, played the 2024 season with the Fredericksburg Nationals (Class A, Carolina League) of the Washington Nationals organization, where he hit .274/.329/.393, going 115-for-420 with eight home runs, 22 doubles, two triples, 85 RBI, 49 runs scored and 18 stolen bases in 111 games.
Pimentel spent the 2023 season with the Florida Complex League Nationals (Class R), where he hit .371/.463/.629, going 13-for35 with one home run, four doubles, one triple, 14 RBI, eight runs scored and four walks in 10 games.
Pimentel signed with the Washington Nationals organization on July 25, 2023.
Kevin Stevens (2020-22)
Somerset Patriots (Class AA, Eastern League)
Kevin Stevens, who pitched for UTRGV from 2020-22, spent the 2024 season with the Somerset Patriots (Class AA, Eastern League) of the New York Yankees organization. He went 4-0 with seven saves, two holds, and a 2.54 ERA, striking out 56 while scattering 29 hits and 16 walks in 39.0 innings across 31 appearances.
Stevens missed the 2023 regular season due to injury before joining the Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League and posting a 2.45 ERA with 10 strikeouts in 7.1 innings across nine appearances.
In 2022, after striking out one batter in one-third of an inning for the Florida Complex League Yankees, Stevens was promoted to Class A Tampa where he posted a 2.08 ERA in four games, striking out two in 4.1 innings
Stevens signed with the New York Yankees organization on July 19, 2022.
Fargo-Morehead RedHawks (American Association)
After serving as an everyday started for the Vaqueros at third and second base in 2024 C.J. Valdez signed with the independent Fargo-Morehead RedHawks of the American Association and hit .233/.293/.384, going 54-for-232 with eight home runs, 11 doubles, 34 RBI, 29 runs scored and five stolen bases in 66 regular season games.
Colten Davis (2019-23)
Fargo-Morehead RedHawks (American Association)
After pitching for the Vaqueros from 2019-23, Colten Davis signed with the independent Fargo-Morehead RedHawks of the American Association for the 2023 stretch run. This past season, Davis made 20 starts, going 7-6 with a 4.25 ERA. In 108.0 regular season innings, he struck out 83. He also posted a 3.85 ERA in two postseason starts. As a rookie in 2023, Davis went 7-0 with a 2.15 ERA in nine games (five starts).
He struck out 33 in 46.0 innings while scattering 29 hits. He added seven more strikeouts in 6.0 innings during his lone postseason start.
J.C. Ariza (2021-23)
Grand Junction Jackalopes (Pioneer League)
After pitching for the Vaqueros from 2021-23, J.C. Ariza signed with the Yolo High Wheelers of the Pioneer League, an MLB partner league. He appeared in 13 games (five starts), striking out 21 in 25.2 innings. Ariza was traded to the Grand Junction Jackalopes, also of the Pioneer League, on July 29 earning two wins in nine games (five starts) and striking out 26 in 29.1 innings.
Roberto Gonzalez (2023)
Lexington Legends (Atlantic League)
After largely playing third base, outfield, and designated hitter for the Vaqueros in 2023, Roberto Gonzalez made his professional debut in 2024, starting the season with the Great Falls Voyagers of the Pioneer League, an MLB partner league. He hit .274/.375/.382, going 15-for-55 with six doubles, nine RBI, seven runs scored and three stolen bases in 15 games. Gonzalez was released on June 11 and signed with the Idaho Falls Chukars, also of the Pioneer League, on June 21. He hit .462/.497/.606 for the Chukars, going 61-for-132 with two home runs, 11 doubles, one triple, 35 RBI, 25 runs scored and one steal in 31 games. Gonzalez was traded to the Lexington Legends of the Atlantic League on August 8 and finished the season hitting .245/.307/.353, going 25-for-102 with one home run, six doubles, one triple, nine RBI, 12 runs scored and four stolen bases in 29 games.
Kris Massey (2023)
Northern Colorado Owlz (Pioneer League)
Kris Massey, who pitched for UTRGV in 2023, played his second season with the Northern Colorado Owlz of the MLB affiliated Pioneer League in 2024. He went 2-0 while striking ou 22 in 22.2 innings scross 22 appearances.
Last season, Massey made 21 appearances, striking out 29 in 20.0 innings.
Young athletes looking to enhance their basketball skills and elevate their performance can now join the Palm View Ballers Academy, a program designed to unlock potential and prepare students for competitive play.
Palm View Ballers Academy is tailored for aspiring basketball players who are eager to go beyond the basics. The program focuses on improving essential skills such as shooting, dribbling, defense, and more, while also teaching advanced strategies and tactics used by top players in competitive basketball. Participants will gain the tools they need to stand out in future competitions.
The academy’s experienced coaches are dedicated to guiding athletes in their journey, offering expert instruction and personalized feedback to help them improve. Whether players are just starting out or are looking to refine their advanced skills, the program offers something for all skill levels.
Registration for Palm View Ballers Academy is now open. This is an excellent opportunity for young athletes to receive high-quality coaching and take their game to the next level.
Basketball isn’t just a sport at Palm View Ballers Academy—it’s a passion. By joining, participants will train under skilled coaches who are committed to helping them enhance both their physical and mental game. Don’t miss the chance to enroll and start the journey toward basketball excellence.
Quinta Mazatlán invites you to explore nature with your little ones through Forest Tots, a fun and educational outdoor program designed for children ages 3-5. Running seasonally from September 3rd through December 19th, this program offers a unique opportunity for children to experience nature-based learning in a hands-on environment.
What is Forest Tots?
Forest Tots is held every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at Quinta Mazatlán. For only $5 admission, you and your child can enjoy a nature-driven curriculum that promotes learning through play and exploration in the Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE!). Each session is designed to engage young children in seasonal phenomena through a variety of activities such as:
Storytime: Captivate your child’s imagination with tales that connect to the natural world.
Sensory Play: Enhance their tactile learning through activities that stimulate the senses.
Nature Art: Inspire creativity using materials found in nature.
Forest Walks: Discover the wonders of nature with guided walks through the lush forest surroundings.
Why Nature-Based Learning?
Research shows that nature-based learning can have a profound impact on early childhood development. It helps children develop essential skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and social interaction while fostering a deep connection to the environment. Engaging with nature can also improve motor skills, sensory awareness, and emotional well-being.
Join Us for Forest Tots!
Whether you’re looking for an enriching outdoor activity or interested in nurturing your child’s love for nature, Forest Tots at Quinta Mazatlán provides the perfect setting. Drop in with your tot and experience the joys of learning in nature’s classroom.
For more information, visit Quinta Mazatlán and see how you and your child can benefit from this one-of-a-kind nature-based program.
Join the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce for Chamber Connect+, an informative event designed to help you better understand the role of your local chamber and how it can benefit your business. Whether you’re new to the Chamber or just looking for a refresher on membership perks, this is your chance to learn how the Chamber of Commerce can be a valuable partner in your business success.
Event Details:
Date and Time:
Tuesday, November 5, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CST
Location:
Brownsville Chamber of Commerce 1600 University Blvd., Brownsville, TX 78520
Admission: Free and Open to the Community
During the session, you’ll gain insights into:
The History of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, highlighting its 86 years of supporting local businesses and shaping the city’s economic landscape.
A comprehensive Membership Benefits Overview detailing the exclusive opportunities available to members, such as networking events, marketing support, advocacy, and access to specialized resources.
Tips on Maximizing Your Membership with strategies to fully leverage the Chamber’s programs, events, and initiatives to grow your business.
For more information, contact the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce at (956) 542-4341 or email info@brownsvillechamber.com.
Texas’ order to ask hospital patients’ citizenship status renews focus on the state’s large uninsured population
By Terri Langford, The Texas Tribune
“Texas’ order to ask hospital patients’ citizenship status renews focus on the state’s large uninsured population” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
When Gov. Greg Abbott ordered hospitals this summer to start asking patients for their citizenship status, the intent was clear: to take the cost of caring for undocumented immigrants to the Biden administration and demand Texas taxpayers be reimbursed.
“Due to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ open border policies, Texas has had to foot the bill for medical costs for individuals illegally in the state,” Abbott said in a statement in August. “Texans should not have to shoulder the burden of financially supporting medical care for illegal immigrants.”
Beginning Nov. 1, hospital patients will be asked their citizenship status. Abbott’s order does not say patients are legally bound to answer the question. However, the care of patients who answer this question, or don’t, will not be interrupted, according to the Texas Hospital Association.
“The bottom line for patients is that this doesn’t change hospital care,” said Carrie Williams, an association spokesperson.
Several hospitals contacted by The Texas Tribune declined to talk about how they will comply with the order. Next March, they will turn over data collected or risk losing their payments from the state’s Medicaid health insurance plan for low-income individuals.
“Hospitals across the state are working to determine how to comply with the reporting guidance and meet the state’s deadlines,” Williams said.
The move by Abbott’s office is the latest by Texas officials to prove an uneven financial burden on states because of illegal immigration, a move supported by the conservative think-tank Texas Public Policy Foundation, also known as TPPF.
“The governor himself wanted to see what costs are now onto the businesses and the hospitals themselves,” said Ammon Blair, a senior fellow for TPPF’s Secure and Sovereign Texas Initiative. “This should not fall on the shoulders of private businesses.”
But there are doubts as to whether Texas will be able to come up with a solid cost figure without a lot of caveats to understand.
Data has shown for years that undocumented immigrants who lack access to health insurance plans, Medicaid included, typically use hospitals less than American citizens who are uninsured – Texas hospitals spend $3.1 billion a year on uninsured care that is not reimbursed, according to THA. Even emergency Medicaid spending, which by design, covers undocumented immigrants’ hospital costs in limited circumstances, has gone down in the last five years. And efforts by Florida to answer the same undocumented patient care question have fallen short.
“This executive order is intended to scare people into not using any kind of public benefits program,” said Lynn Cowles, health and food justice programs manager at Every Texan, which advocates for better health care in Texas. “It’s pretty classic anti-immigrant rhetoric that will not lead to any new understandings from data collected by (Texas) Health and Human Services.”
Texas’ uninsured and uninsured undocumented immigrants
Texas leads the nation in the number of uninsured residents and most of them are citizens. Data also already shows that immigrants seek health care treatment at a lower rate than U.S. citizens.
Overall, about 18% of the state’s 30 million people are uninsured.
The state also has a large number of undocumented immigrants. According to the Pew Research Center, Texas had 1.6 million undocumented immigrants in 2021.
So how much do undocumented residents make up of the total uninsured population in Texas? It’s a hard question that Charles Miller, a former policy and budget adviser under Abbott who is now with Texas 2036, a policy organization, has attempted to answer. He says looking at available data, his group estimates that about 14% of Texas’ uninsured, about 680,000, are undocumented residents.
“We do have a fairly sizable population of undocumented uninsured, but it is not the majority,” said Miller, director of health and economic stability policy at Texas 2036. “So if we’re talking about who is the majority of the uninsured, that is going to be folks who are here legally.”
Abbott’s order may bring Texas closer to an actual cost but even Florida’s 2023 law requiring hospitals to ask the citizenship status of their patients could not get a solid
answer. State officials there claim undocumented residents cost Florida hospitals $566 million, but that figure does not account for any payment made for that care, such as Medicaid reimbursement from the federal government or patients who pay their bills out of pocket. The Florida Policy Institute estimates a far lower but not insignificant cost at $21.3 million once payments and reimbursements are included.
But what about Medicaid for undocumented immigrants?
In Texas, taxpayers funded about 31% of the state’s Medicaid program. The remaining almost 70% comes from federal taxes. In 2022, Texas Medicaid spending was about $57 billion.
According to analysis by the National Academy for State Health Policy of Texas hospital data, about 2% of hospitals’ charges are for treating uninsured patients. Medicaid covers about 12% of those hospital charges. Typically, undocumented immigrants cannot qualify for comprehensive Medicaid health insurance.
Even for American citizens, Medicaid health coverage is tough to get. Texas is one of 10 states that has refused to expand the program to single, childless adults under the age of 65, making it primarily a program for low-income children, the elderly and disabled individuals. In fact, children make up the majority of Medicaid recipients in Texas.
Under the Affordable Care Act, states have had the option since 2010 to expand their Medicaid program if they agree to foot 10% of the cost. Not doing so means Texas is turning down more than $5.6 billion in federal tax dollars each year and the chance to provide health insurance coverage to another 1.4 million Texans. Again, most of that uninsured care burden comes because citizens are uninsured.
However, uninsured undocumented residents can qualify for emergency Medicaid, which will provide enough care to stabilize a patient and nothing more. But that undocumented immigrant patient would have to be a child, elderly or disabled person whose family income is so low it meets Texas’ strict Medicaid criteria.
Experts on this agree that most of those uninsured undocumented patients qualifying for emergency Medicaid at Texas hospitals are undocumented children.
Still, emergency Medicaid spending has gone down, from $382 million in the fiscal
year ending in August 2019 to $334 million in fiscal year 2023, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The number of patients receiving that emergency Medicaid has similarly fallen from about 75,000 to 70,000.
The Houston Chronicle previously reported that in 2023 the state paid hospitals $123 million for emergency care for undocumented immigrants. However, according to Texas Health and Human Services, the latest state data shows Texas taxpayers paid $116 million for emergency Medicaid at hospitals in fiscal year 2023.
The onus of emergency Medicaid funding falls on the federal government. From fiscal year 2017 through 2023, state and federal governments paid a total of $27 billion on emergency Medicaid services. Of that, the states’ portion was $9 billion, according to an Oct. 2 letter from the Congressional Budget Office to Texas Congressman Jodey Arrington, a Lubbock Republican.
Beyond the emergency Medicaid program, it’s tough to tease out exactly how much other funding goes to undocumented immigrant care – and how much undocumented immigrants spend out of their pocket or who among them have private insurance. It’s also not clear whether this citizenship survey project will answer that better.
Even with the likelihood the data will come under scrutiny, Blair, the TPPF fellow, says Abbott’s order will hopefully offer taxpayers a better look at how their money is spent.
“In our opinion, at Texas Public Policy Foundation, it shows the transparency of what is actually happening,” Blair said. “So that way, there’s no conspiracy theories on the true cost to our hospital systems and then to the taxpayer.”
Disclosure: Every Texan, Texas 2036, Texas Hospital Association and Texas Public Policy Foundation have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune’s journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.
