Report Shows Monthly Cost of Medical Care for Illegal Aliens in Texas
April 28, 2025 – Newly released data shows that illegal aliens cost Texas taxpayers $121.8 million in hospital fees in just one month. The figure comes from a directive issued by Governor Greg Abbott last year, ordering the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to collect and report the financial burden that illegal immigration places on the state’s hospital system.
This data is the first installment of monthly reports that Texas will produce moving forward. Abbott’s directive was part of a broader strategy to highlight the hidden costs of illegal immigration, which he argues are often downplayed or ignored by federal authorities. The new data suggests that emergency room visits, labor and delivery services, surgeries, and other urgent medical care for illegal aliens are placing immense strain on Texas’ healthcare infrastructure.
Texas hospitals are legally required to provide emergency care regardless of a patient’s immigration status under federal law. However, the cost of that care—when unreimbursed—ultimately shifts to taxpayers, either through higher healthcare costs, increased insurance premiums, or direct state funding for hospital systems.
The $121.8 million figure reflects only the costs reported for a single month and does not include other related public service expenses such as Medicaid fraud, social services, or law enforcement resources. State officials warn that the cumulative annual costs could reach into the billions if current trends continue.
The report is likely to intensify the political debate surrounding border security and immigration policy in Texas and nationally. Supporters of stricter immigration controls argue that the burden on public services like healthcare justifies stronger border enforcement and policy reforms. Critics, however, caution that focusing solely on costs risks ignoring humanitarian obligations and the broader contributions of immigrant communities. Further monthly reports will provide a clearer picture of the long-term fiscal impact.
