Florida's controversial immigration law impacts healthcare access

Controversy surrounds Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' recent immigration law, which has resulted in a concerning trend: immigrants are avoiding seeking medical care out of fear of being required to disclose their immigration status. The law mandates that hospitals receiving Medicaid funds inquire about patients' immigration status, leading to undocumented migrants in Florida avoiding hospitals and clinics due to concerns about potential arrest or deportation.

Fear and apprehension among immigrant communities

The apprehension and nervousness among immigrants seeking medical treatment have increased significantly. For instance, a pregnant patient who experienced severe pain was reluctant to go to the emergency room due to fear of potential arrest and deportation. Another concerning development is the decline in the number of migrant women accessing free medical check-ups and prenatal care at the Consulate of Mexico in Orlando, which has operated a program offering free healthcare to migrants from around the world.

Additionally, the number of patients accessing free mammogram services has dropped by 18% since the law's implementation in May.

Impact on healthcare access

The law's impact is not limited to hospitals receiving federal funds, as it also affects clinics and organizations that do not receive Medicaid reimbursements. The law applies to all migrants, regardless of whether they receive Medicaid assistance. In contrast to several states' immigration crackdowns, Florida's law stands out as the only one in the nation requiring hospitals to inquire about patients' immigration status.

The law has sparked legal challenges, with several immigration groups, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the ACLU Foundation of Florida suing Governor DeSantis in an attempt to overturn the law.

Legislative context and response

During the 2023 legislative session, Governor DeSantis and Florida Republicans enacted the immigration crackdown, citing concerns about the surge in migrants crossing the southern border and aiming to send a message to President Joe Biden. The legislation faced immediate backlash and fears that it would lead to the arrest of individuals for simply crossing state lines with an undocumented family member or friend.

Legislative efforts and controversy

State Rep. Johanna López has proposed legislation to protect nonprofit clinics providing free healthcare services from the law's effects, asserting that nonprofits are not obligated to inquire about patients' immigration status. However, the bill's prospects in the GOP-controlled Legislature appear slim.