The Utah House has passed a bill that would set up $26 million in state funds to pay hospitals and other providers to care for undocumented immigrants, according to a report by the Salt Lake Tribune.
Despite its sizable cost, the bill passed easily by 57-14 votes and now goes to the Utah Senate.
The state plans to replenish the funding by asking for federal payments. The federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act law forbids providers from turning away any patients who seek care, even if they are not U.S. citizens. There are about 110,000 undocumented immigrants in Utah, according to the Pew Hispanic Center.
Meanwhile, a bill in the Arizona legislature would require hospitals to confirm patients’ legal residency before admitting them for non-emergency care and report illegal immigrants to federal immigration officers.
Read the Salt Lake Tribune report on immigration and hospitals.
Read more coverage on treating immigrants:
– Physicians Say Arizona Bill Would Deter Immigrants From Seeking Care
– Bill Would Require Georgia Hospitals to Report Costs Associated With Treating Illegal Immigrants
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