House passes bill that would reimburse illegal immigrant care

Deseret Morning News
February 24, 2011
By Amanda Verzello
SALT LAKE CITY, UT

The House passed a bill on Thursday that will require the state to reimburse hospitals and doctors who give required medical services to illegal immigrants.

HB165 fixes the problem of cost-shifting, said Rep. Chris Herrod, R-Provo.

"One segment of the population is bearing the brunt of illegal immigration," the bill's sponsor said.

The bill, which passed the House 57-14 without debate, will also allow the state to seek repayment of the money from the federal government.

Fiscal analysts estimate the bill could cost the state $26.3 million a year. Herrod has called the bill a "message bill" that he doesn't expect to go far.

The measure has moved to the Senate for its consideration.

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