Fact Check: Estimates on U.S. Healthcare Spending for Undocumented Immigrants
What We Know
The claim states that estimates on U.S. healthcare spending for undocumented immigrants range from $10 billion to $23 billion annually, primarily for emergency services. According to a publication by Steven A. Camarota et al., it was estimated that allowing uninsured, low-income undocumented immigrants access to federally funded programs could cost taxpayers around $10 billion per year, with potential costs rising to as high as $23 billion if many chose not to enroll (source-1). This estimate reflects the financial implications of providing healthcare services to this population, particularly in emergency situations where they are often treated without insurance.
Analysis
The estimates of $10 billion to $23 billion are based on projections and assumptions about the healthcare needs of undocumented immigrants and their access to services. The lower end of the estimate ($10 billion) assumes a limited enrollment in federally funded programs, while the higher end ($23 billion) considers a scenario where many undocumented immigrants do seek care, leading to increased costs for emergency services (source-1).
Furthermore, a study analyzing the contributions of immigrants to the healthcare system found that undocumented immigrants contributed significantly more in premiums and taxes than what was spent on their care. In 2017, they contributed $58.3 billion more than insurers and the government paid for their healthcare, indicating that while undocumented immigrants do incur costs, they also provide substantial financial support to the healthcare system (source-2). This suggests that the financial burden of healthcare for undocumented immigrants might be offset by their contributions.
However, the reliability of the estimates can vary based on the methodologies used and the assumptions made regarding healthcare access and utilization. The estimates are derived from studies that may have limitations, such as the reliance on self-reported data or projections based on specific populations that may not fully represent the entire undocumented immigrant community.
Conclusion
The claim that estimates on U.S. healthcare spending for undocumented immigrants range from $10 billion to $23 billion annually is Partially True. While there is credible evidence supporting these figures, they are based on projections that depend on various assumptions about healthcare access and utilization. Additionally, the financial contributions of undocumented immigrants to the healthcare system complicate the narrative of them being solely a financial burden. Therefore, while the estimates are valid, they do not capture the complete picture of the economic impact of undocumented immigrants on U.S. healthcare.
Sources
- The Migrant Crisis and Access to Health Care - PMC. Link
- Assessment of Immigrants' Premium and Tax Payments for Health Care and ... Link
- Unauthorized Immigrants Prolong the Life of Medicare's ... Link
- CBO: Medicaid Spending on Illegal Aliens Has Cost ... Link
- Reducing the Health Care Burden Caused by Undocumented ... Link
- The Cost of the Border Crisis Testimony before the House ... Link
- PDF The Historic Dollar Costs of Dhs Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas' Open ... Link
- Newsom Proposes Scaling Back Health Care for Undocumented Immigrants in ... Link
