Florida Healthcare System Strained by Costs Associated with Illegal Immigration, Data Reveals
New data released by the state of Florida paints a stark picture of the financial strain placed on its healthcare system by the presence of undocumented immigrants. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) recently updated its Hospital Patient Immigration Status Dashboard, offering a comprehensive look at the number of hospital admissions and emergency room visits based on a patient’s immigration status. The 2024 figures are particularly noteworthy, highlighting the significant financial burden incurred by the state.
According to the AHCA data, emergency room visits by individuals who illegally entered the United States totaled 67,700 in 2024. The cost of providing emergency care to these patients resulted in approximately $76.6 million in Medicaid payments. However, the emergency room visits represent only a fraction of the total financial impact. In total, the state of Florida spent nearly $660 million on the healthcare costs of immigrants residing in the country illegally.
The AHCA emphasized its commitment to safeguarding taxpayer dollars and ensuring that resources are allocated appropriately. "The Agency remains dedicated to fulfilling Governor DeSantis’ commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars from being used on individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States," stated AHCA Deputy Secretary Kim Smoak. "The data confirms that the financial burden of illegal immigration continues to strain Florida’s healthcare system. We will continue working to ensure that hospitals and healthcare providers deliver quality services to U.S. citizens."
The county bearing the brunt of these costs is Miami-Dade, which spent a staggering $282 million on healthcare services for undocumented immigrants in 2024. Broward County, home to Fort Lauderdale, followed with $77 million, while Hillsborough County (Tampa) incurred $64 million in costs. Orange County (Orlando) spent $38 million, and Duval County (Jacksonville) accounted for $34 million. It is important to note that several counties, particularly those in the Big Bend region, do not have hospitals and therefore did not report any costs related to this issue.
The AHCA data also revealed an interesting trend: a significant number of patients at major hospitals declined to answer the citizenship question outright. The Tallahassee Democrat reported that nearly two-thirds of patients seen at Tampa General Hospital-Spring Hill refused to answer the question in the first three months of 2024. Similarly, Flagler Hospital, near St. Augustine, reported that 96% of its 36,000 emergency room patients declined to provide information regarding their citizenship status. The reasons behind this reluctance to answer the question are varied and complex, likely ranging from privacy concerns to fear of potential repercussions.
In 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation designed to address the issue of illegal immigration, which included presenting an immigration status question to patients at hospitals that accept Medicaid. While answering the question is not mandatory, the move has had a significant impact. According to Politico, there has been a 54% decline in Medicaid billings to a state program that provides medical assistance to undocumented immigrants.
State Representative Randy Fine, a Republican from Melbourne and co-sponsor of the legislation that mandated the collection of immigration data in hospitals, has been a vocal advocate for addressing the financial burden associated with healthcare for undocumented immigrants. Last year, he stated that $500 million had been spent on healthcare for individuals who should not be in the United States. "That’s half a billion dollars stolen from real Floridians," he asserted.
The issue of healthcare costs associated with undocumented immigration is not unique to Florida, it is a topic of national debate, with varying perspectives on the economic and social implications. Some argue that providing healthcare to all individuals, regardless of immigration status, is a moral imperative and a public health necessity. Others emphasize the financial strain on state and federal resources and advocate for stricter enforcement of immigration laws to reduce these costs.
The situation in Florida reflects this broader debate, highlighting the complexities and challenges involved in balancing humanitarian concerns with fiscal responsibility. The data released by the AHCA serves as a valuable resource for policymakers and the public, providing insights into the financial impact of illegal immigration on the state’s healthcare system. The ongoing debate surrounding immigration and healthcare is likely to continue, as policymakers grapple with finding effective and sustainable solutions to address the challenges and complexities of this issue.
