Unpaid Healthcare Costs of Illegal Migrants in Texas Exceed $1 Billion: HHSC Report
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has released data showing that illegal migrants have cost the state's hospitals over one billion dollars in unpaid care. This figure far exceeds previous estimates and highlights the significant financial burden placed on the healthcare system. The HHSC's report, which was mandated by an order signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, revealed that nearly $122 million was spent on care for illegal immigrants in November 2024 alone. The data indicates that individuals who are "not legally present" in the United States made over 31,000 hospital visits during that month.
The latest report from the HHSC paints a stark picture of the resources being utilized by illegal immigrants in Texas. In fiscal year 2025, illegal migrants made a total of 313,742 hospital visits, resulting in a cost of $1.05 billion to the state. The majority of this expenditure, approximately $565 million, was attributed to inpatient discharges for non-Medicaid and non-CHIP patients. Emergency room visits accounted for $230 million of the total cost, while inpatient care expenses reached $820 million, underscoring the significant impact of longer-term care on healthcare spending.
It is important to note that the data presented in the report only covers a partial fiscal year, with September and October excluded from the analysis due to the recent implementation of the reporting system. Given the escalating costs and the ongoing influx of illegal migrants seeking medical care, it is likely that the financial burden on Texas hospitals will continue to rise in the coming years. A previous disclosure by the state revealed that over 100,000 patients who sought treatment at Texas hospitals were undocumented immigrants.
The findings from the HHSC's report underscore the pressing need for effective measures to address the healthcare costs associated with illegal migration. As the state grapples with the economic impact of providing care to individuals who are not lawfully present in the country, policymakers and healthcare providers must work together to develop sustainable solutions that ensure access to quality care for all residents while managing the financial implications of unauthorized immigration on the healthcare system.