Undocumented immigrants in the U.S. only qualify for emergency medical care, with limited access to preventive services. Some states have expanded healthcare access, but funding issues and rising costs have led to enrollment caps. Supporters say expanding access could reduce emergency costs and improve public health, while critics warn of financial strain and increased immigration. Should the U.S. expand healthcare for undocumented immigrants? How can we balance costs with public health needs?
Relying on emergency services only wastes soooooo much money. Waiting until problems are acute and they HAVE to be treated under EMTALA means doing way more expensive treatments and clogs up emergency services. Not to mention that not vaccinating or treating bacterial infections results in a bunch of cooties getting spread around the community. And when they’re getting those emergency services they can’t pay for them so the cost has to get absorbed into the bills of the patients who can pay either directly or through insurance.
“I don’t wanna pay for other people’s Healthcare!”
You already are, just in the least efficient and most expensive way possible.