- Florida’s Medicaid spending on emergency health care for undocumented migrants has significantly decreased following Governor Ron DeSantis’ crackdown on illegal immigration, coinciding with his presidential campaign efforts. DeSantis’ legislation mandates hospitals to inquire about patients’ immigration status, though patients are not obligated to respond. This initiative has sparked concerns among immigrant rights groups that it could deter migrants from seeking necessary medical care. Despite the administration’s assertion that the drop in Medicaid expenditures is a sign of effective immigration policy, critics argue that it could lead to adverse outcomes for public health, particularly impacting vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and those needing urgent medical treatments like dialysis. (Article here)
- A recent study published in the National Bureau of Economic Research reveals a direct correlation between rising health care costs and increased unemployment rates in the United States. The study underscores that escalating health care prices affect not only personal finances but also job availability, particularly for middle-income workers. The research highlights that as health care expenses inflate, employers face higher costs in providing health insurance, leading to a reduction in their workforce. Specifically, a 1% rise in health care prices results in a 0.4% decrease in an employer’s headcount, with the most significant job losses occurring among those earning less than $100,000 annually. This trend exacerbates income inequality and diminishes aggregate income at the county level, emphasizing broader economic repercussions beyond the health care sector. (Article here)
June 24, 2024
Payers | Tea Leaves | Uncategorized