Two of the hottest topics amongst politicians and the numerous presidential hopefuls are immigration and healthcare reform. These issues have collided here in California leaving legal residents furious about more than $1 billion in annual healthcare costs for illegals.
The Los Angeles Times reported on May 31, 2007 that Mexican consulates have been advising illegals of how to obtain medical care without the fear of deportation. The program called Ventanillas de Salud or Health Windows, screens illegals for high cholesterol, blood pressure and offers other preventative tests. Based on the outcome of the tests, referrals are given to clinics or other government run medical facilities where care can be obtained for free and without the fear of being reported to U.S. authorities.
This program is currently operating in 11 major U.S. cities with a goal of having this type of program available in all 47 consulates around the country.
What is the cost and who pays for this type of service? According to the California Department of Health Services, over $1.1 billion was spent on illegals through the Medi-Cal program in 2006. This does not take into consideration all of the hospital or emergency room charges that discounted or forgiven every year. It is obvious that law abiding, tax paying citizens are footing the bill for these programs.
One example outlined in the Times article was the case of Maria Cortez. As an undocumented housecleaner she had no insurance coverage but sought care in an ER from a stomach ailment. She was diagnosed with an ulcer and received a $1200 bill which she could not pay. Explaining her plight, the hospital forgave all but $80 of the charges.
Ira Mehlman, spokesman for the Federation for American Immigration Reform stated, “The (Los Angeles) county is broke, they are cutting back on services, they are closing emergency rooms, yet they are dreaming up new ways to provide benefits to illegal aliens.” “It’s lunacy.”
I wonder if Michael Moore will address these types of situations in his upcoming documentary, “SiCKO”. This film is intended to explore the American healthcare system in an unconventional way.
For all politicians reading this blog – Please present a real solution to our healthcare and immigration troubles. If other states are facing similar expenses at the hands of the illegal population, it appears that building a wall and enforcing the border would be a cheaper alternative than providing healthcare to the 16 – 20 million illegals already here.
Recent Comments