Ron DeSantis sparks debate as tough stance on illegal migrants reduces Florida Medicaid expenditure

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA: Florida's Medicaid spending for illegal immigrants plummeted as a result of a new law Republican Gov Ron DeSantis signed that requires hospitals to inquire about the patient's immigration status.

The Sunshine State's Emergency Medical Assistance for undocumented immigrants had a 54% dramatic decline so far this year when compared to the $148 million spent last year before the law was enacted, according to Politico.

However, concerns were raised whether the former presidential contender's measure to require migrants to disclose their immigration status was forcing them from taking emergency care, thus reducing Medicaid expenditure. According to the data up to May 3, with nearly two months remaining in the fiscal year, only $67 million has been spent on Medicaid.

New law aims to combat illegal immigration to Florida

In May 2023, DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1718 to combat President Joe Biden's border crisis, as per a press release from the governor's office.

Described as the "strongest anti-illegal immigartion bill in the nation," it mandated hospitals to ask about the citizenship status of the patients. Hospitals should also inform the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration about the citizenship of the patients they treat.

The bill also required employers to check workers' employment eligibility, and those who failed were required to pay a $1000 fine daily.

Medicaid was aimed at providing healthcare for those with financial struggles, which is different from the Medicare program for the elderly.

Thomas Kennedy of the Florida Immigrant Coalition said that there was no concrete evidence to prove the new law resulted in the decline in Medicaid spending.

However, he added, "Obviously, there's been somewhat of an exodus of migrants in Florida. When this was all going through — we had warned about the exacerbated work[force] shortages and the distressed industries — we said this would be a bad idea."

The data provided by the Florida Department of Children and Families indicated that the agency approved 147,000 emergency authorizations in the state in fiscal 2022, while in 2023, it was 116,000. However, until April 30, 2024, with two months left before the fiscal 2024's end, DCF made only 99,000 authorizations.

Internet split as Florida's Medicaid spending plummets after new anti-immigrant law

Some netizens blasted the possible impact DeSantis's new law might have on undocumented immigrants in Florida, while another bunch welcomed the legislation.

"What is the solution ? An undocumented migrant gets sick, what should Americans do? Let them die on the street? The answer is not deport them or “don’t let them in” argument- they are here and we have to figure it out. Desantis is just dog whistling," a user wrote.

While another remarked, "Doing the right thing isn't that hard, even when it isn't popular. Hopefully 2028 is his year."

A third user added, "So they’re going to emergency rooms for treatment and can’t be turned away. More expensive for Florida taxpayers that way but go ahead and pretend that’s better."

Whereas a fourth response read, "All governors would benefit from DeSantis crackdown on immigrates plan. Maybe the immigrants will get discouraged and go back to their perspective homes."

"So with EMTALA in place, every person must be evaluated and treated if needed. So they are just cutting how much they reimburse the hospital for care? Sounds like they are just shifting the debt to the hospital," someone else chimed in.

On the other hand, an individual said, "@GovRonDeSantis that’s the way to do it - eliminate unnecessary spending."

Another user wrote, "'Crackdown' No person, regardless of immigration status, can be denied emergency medical care in any state." Meanwhile, a remark read, "We need this all over, across the board!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.