SUMMARY: California is advising healthcare providers to avoid recording patients’ immigration status, while Florida and Texas require facilities to assess patients’ status and track costs associated with undocumented immigrants. Trump initiated a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, escalating immigration enforcement actions that have led to arrests at healthcare facilities. Despite varying state guidelines regarding patient treatment based on immigration status, hospitals emphasize that no one will be denied care. A significant percentage of noncitizens report hesitancy to seek medical attention due to fears of immigration enforcement, impacting overall public health and access to essential services.

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The post As States Diverge on Immigration, Hospitals Say They Won’t Turn Patients Away appeared first on kffhealthnews.org

SUMMARY: Kim Hilton, 68, became homeless after rising rent in Montana forced him to leave his home. Unable to afford an apartment, Hilton lived in his truck, where he faced harsh winter conditions, diabetes complications, and multiple amputations. He was one of many seniors experiencing homelessness for the first time, a growing issue in the U.S. due to rising housing costs and medical needs. After nearly a year, Hilton secured a subsidized apartment, though his health had significantly declined. His case highlights the urgent need for affordable, accessible housing for seniors facing complex medical challenges.

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The post For Homeless Seniors, Getting Into Stable Housing Takes a Village — And a Lot of Luck appeared first on kffhealthnews.org

SUMMARY: California is implementing several new health care laws amid a year of relatively subdued policy changes. Key measures include ending medical debt’s impact on credit scores, extending hospital holds for violent offenders with severe mental illness, and banning PFAS chemicals in cosmetics. Additionally, public health officials now have the authority to inspect immigrant detention centers for compliance with regulations. Other notable laws mandate maternal mental health screenings, require accessible prescription labels for the visually impaired, and expand sick leave provisions. Governor Gavin Newsom has sought to delay mandatory fertility treatment coverage and has vetoed more ambitious health care reform proposals.

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The post New California Laws Target Medical Debt, AI Care Decisions, Detention Centers appeared first on kffhealthnews.org