State Representative Chris Turner, D-Arlington, has criticized Governor Greg Abbott’s recent action regarding migrant healthcare as nothing more than an “immigration stunt.”
Abbott signed an executive order mandating Texas hospitals to track the cost of providing healthcare to undocumented immigrants with the aim of seeking reimbursement from the federal government.
Prior to the executive order, hospitals in Texas did not gather information related to immigration status.
Turner criticized the Governor’s announcement as solely political and highlighted Abbott’s poor healthcare track record, calling it “abysmal.”
“The way to lower healthcare costs in Texas is to reduce the number of uninsured,” Turner stated. “He has consistently blocked efforts to expand healthcare coverage, which would benefit everyone and lower costs.”
Under the order, hospitals must begin collecting information on November 1, 2024, and submit annual reports to the Governor and Texas Legislature.
Turner expressed concerns about the financial burden on hospitals, suggesting it will be costly and ultimately passed on to Texas consumers.
“We already subsidize uninsured Texans through healthcare premiums and property taxes. This will only add to that burden,” Turner argued.