Kaiser Health News

JD Vance Fact Check: Illegal Immigration Isn’t Causing Rural Hospital Closures

Published

3 months ago

October 29, 2024

www.youtube.com – KFF Health News – 2024-10-29 14:08:22

SUMMARY: VP nominee JD Vance claimed that providing care for undocumented immigrants is bankrupting hospitals and causing closures. However, fact-checking reveals that while undocumented populations may be more likely to be uninsured, their presence does not directly result in hospitals failing financially. Many states offer coverage for these individuals, and factors like low Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates, decreased patient volumes, and prolonged financial decline significantly contribute to rural hospital closures. Therefore, Vance’s assertion that care for unauthorized immigrants is the primary reason for hospital bankruptcies is misleading. The claim has been rated false.

Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) said providing care for immigrants without legal status was “bankrupting” rural hospitals and forcing them to close.

Although that population is more likely to be uninsured, living in the country illegally does not mean people lack the ability to pay for health care — especially if they live in states that offer them insurance coverage.

Research shows many factors contribute to rural hospital closures — not solely financial losses from providing care for those without insurance, whether those people are migrants in the country illegally or U.S. citizens.

KFF Health News and @politifact rate Vance’s statement False.

Source

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