Texas Hospitals Report Over $1 Billion in Costs Attributed to Illegal Immigrants in Fiscal Year 2025
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas hospitals faced more than $1 billion in healthcare costs related to illegal immigrants during fiscal year 2025, marking the first year the state systematically tracked such expenses. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) compiled data showing 313,742 hospital visits by individuals not legally present in the United States, resulting in total costs of approximately $1.05 billion by the end of the fiscal year.
The fiscal year in Texas runs from September 1 through August 31, though hospitals were only mandated to begin reporting these figures starting in November 2024. This means the reported numbers cover roughly 10 months of data. When extrapolated, the monthly average of about $105 million suggests the actual annual cost could be substantially higher.
This tracking initiative was launched under an executive order from Governor Greg Abbott, who has emphasized border security and immigration enforcement as key priorities. The data sheds light on the financial impact of undocumented immigration on the state’s healthcare system.
The influx of patients not legally present in the country has placed significant strain on Texas hospitals, which must absorb many of these costs. Hospitals often provide emergency care regardless of a patient’s immigration status, but the resulting uncompensated care contributes to financial challenges for healthcare providers.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s report aligns with broader federal data on immigration and border crossings. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, encounters at the southern border have remained elevated in recent years, contributing to increased demands on state resources.
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security continues to monitor immigration trends and enforcement actions nationwide. The state’s new data provides a localized perspective on how immigration patterns affect public services.
Healthcare costs associated with undocumented immigrants have long been a contentious issue. The American Hospital Association has previously highlighted the challenges hospitals face in managing uncompensated care, which can impact the quality and availability of services for all patients.
Governor Abbott’s administration has linked these costs to calls for increased border security measures and immigration enforcement. The state’s efforts to quantify the financial burden reflect a growing trend among states to assess the local impact of federal immigration policies.
As Texas continues to grapple with immigration challenges, the healthcare sector remains on the front lines, balancing the needs of diverse patient populations with financial sustainability. The ongoing collection and analysis of data by the HHSC will be critical in informing policy decisions and resource allocation in the years ahead.
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