[Jim Noble]

If the county doesn't pay, the hospital will have to take care of them anyway."

Why?

[JackelopeBreeder]

Legally speaking, no reason at all. The hospital is only required to provide emergency treatment and stabilization.

If I was a hospital administrator I'd be looking at this equation:

Full uncompensated treatment = $xx,000 or even $xxx,000.

Plane ticket to Mexico City = $1000 or less.

Cut your losses, slick.