Chairman Jason Smith says sanctuary cities could soon see issues similar to those seen in Denver
Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee are urging the Biden administration to address the situation concerning safety net hospitals, particularly in one state where reports indicate they are reaching a breaking point due to a surge of migrants. Lawmakers warn that this issue, currently affecting hospitals in Denver, Colorado, could soon extend to other hospitals across the United States.
Led by Chairman Jason Smith, Republicans penned a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, citing concerns about the main safety net hospital in Denver facing financial strains. They noted that the hospital has been forced to turn away patients due to a significant increase in hospital visits and services required by individuals, largely attributed to the influx of illegal immigrants into the community.
CBS News reported that the hospital had approximately $60 million in uncompensated care in 2020, which has now escalated to $136 million, with a quarter of that attributed to non-Denver residents. Officials have stated that the hospital is currently at a “critical point.”
Republicans referenced reports indicating that Denver Health is cautioning that it lacks the resources to invest in its infrastructure and is refusing care to Denver residents in need of mental health and substance abuse treatment.
However, lawmakers caution that the issue could soon become a nationwide concern. The nation is facing a three-year migrant crisis, with over 2.4 million migrant encounters in FY23 alone, and more than 300,000 encounters reported in December. Several states, including those with “sanctuary” policies that restrict cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), are grappling with the influx of migrants. They argue that the surge in numbers is overwhelming services and have requested additional assistance from the federal government.
“Denver Health’s difficulties could soon be replicated by hospitals in sanctuary cities nationwide, putting the nation’s healthcare safety net at risk and jeopardizing healthcare access for vulnerable patients,” the Republicans assert.
The Republicans inquire of Becerra what steps the department has taken to prevent hospitals from refusing patients due to an influx of migrants into the area “resulting from their locations’ sanctuary policies.”
The letter also inquires about the guidance provided to hospitals facing such a surge and whether Medicare regulations will be amended to mandate hospitals to prepare for such situations. Fox News Digital has reached out to HHS for comment on the letter.
This development occurs as both President Biden and former President Donald Trump plan visits to the border. Democrats and the administration have attributed responsibility for the current crisis to Republicans, alleging their refusal to approve additional funding and comprehensive reform as the cause. This includes a recent funding and reform bill that failed to gain traction in the Senate. Biden is expected to renew calls for passing the bill during his visit to the border.
Republicans, however, attribute the crisis to the administration’s policies, contending that it began with the termination of Trump-era policies and the implementation of more lenient measures, such as expanded catch-and-release and decreased interior enforcement.
“President Biden’s failed border policies are directly accountable for the unprecedented crisis at our southern border, leading to millions of illegal immigrants inundating American communities and placing immense strain on our public health infrastructure,” Smith stated in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.
Smith stated that he and his colleagues on the committee are dedicated to holding the Biden HHS accountable to ensure that our healthcare system is equipped to handle the challenges resulting from this administration’s border policies.
“Until we revert to the border policies of the Trump era, which effectively secured our borders, the health of our entire nation will continue to endure the repercussions,” he emphasized.