Article published Jan 8, 2008
Smith County Won't Pay For Illegals' Health Care Costs

By ROY MAYNARD

Staff Writer

Smith County commissioners say they want to ensure their limited funds for indigent health care are spent on legal residents.

In the regular Commissioners Court meeting Monday, Commissioner JoAnn Fleming said she was concerned when she read a recent report the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston may stop offering cancer care to indigent, undocumented immigrants because of dwindling resources.

Smith County, which spent close to $670,000 to treat 162 indigent patients during the last fiscal year, also faces budget constraints. That's why the county must be sure its resources are used wisely, Mrs. Fleming said.

"I was under the impression this had been resolved years ago, when the requirements were revamped," she said.

Under state regulations, counties don't have to ask about citizenship. But counties can do so if they choose.

"Smith County is stricter than the state," noted County Auditor Ann Wilson. "The state has no requirement for (checking) legal status."

Other commissioners say they believe the county is asking about citizenship.

"I know of one woman who provided a false Social Security number and false documents, and she was prosecuted," said County Judge Joel Baker.

But the court is willing to look into the matter further, just to be sure.

"We can talk with the Indigent Care office and make sure this is being done," said Commissioner JoAnn Hampton. We can have them here next week."

Also on Monday, commissioners re-appointed members of the Emergency Services District No. 2 board.

http://www.tylerpaper.com/article/20080 ... /801080315