Bill.N. Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Observer. Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Do pear shaped pregnant Fairfax County illegals
> > feel no shame in walking into hospitals and
> having
> > their babies free of charge without having to
> pay
> > anything for the services the hospitals provide
> > for them?
>
> No.
>
> However the problem isn't unique to illegals.
> There are a fair number of people out there who
> feel entitled to get everything for free or for
> ridiculously low costs. Contrary to what some
> right wingers will tell you though, this isn't
> limited to the low end of the income spectrum. I
> know plenty of doctors and lawyers who have
> relatively wealthy people come in to their offices
> and hit try to hit them up for free services. It
> also isn't new. Google Hetty Green for a 19th
> century example.
It's true as far as illegals having babies in US hospitals. To the tune of $2 billion in Medicaid not counting all of the vast costs beyond that once they're born. e.g.,
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=206014
Results A total of 48,391 individuals received services reimbursed under Emergency Medicaid during the 4-year period of this study. The patient population was 99% undocumented, 93% Hispanic, 95% female, and 89% in the 18- to 40-year age group. Total spending increased by 28% from 2001 through 2004, with more rapid spending increases among elderly (98%) and disabled (82%) patients. In 2004, childbirth and complications of pregnancy accounted for 82% of spending and 91% of hospitalizations. Injury, renal failure, gastrointestinal disease, and cardiovascular conditions were also prevalent.