Posted on 03/04/2009 8:56:41 AM PST by SmithL
Hoping to save a strained medical system $6 million a year, Contra Costa County health officials announced a plan this week to exclude adult illegal immigrants from primary care services.
About 5,500 undocumented adult immigrants are now eligible users of the county's Basic Health Care Program, which serves low-income residents who cannot obtain any other health insurance.
A plan presented to the board of supervisors would make nonurgent county care inaccessible to illegal immigrants, with the exception of children and pregnant women.
Also on the proposed chopping block is a $2.6 million program providing health care for inmates of the West County Jail in Richmond and other health services around the county for a total of about $13.5 million. Supervisors are scheduled to vote on the cuts March 17.
"The county doesn't have the money anymore," said William Walker, the county's health director.
If supervisors approve the plan, the county hospital system would become the second in the state this year to eliminate services for undocumented patients. Last month, Sacramento County supervisors voted to shut off nonurgent care for illegal immigrants in an effort to save $2.4 million.
Walker said Contra Costa would save more than Sacramento did because the clinic system for indigent patients is more extensive here, with 10 clinic locations across the region. The county would continue to provide primary care for undocumented children younger than 19 and also provide coverage for emergencies, pregnancies and certain other conditions, including tuberculosis and breast cancer.
Walker made the announcement Monday, attracting immediate concern from local health leaders.
(Excerpt) Read more at contracostatimes.com ...
-- $2.6 million to eliminate health services at West County Detention Facility in Richmond
-- $1 million to cut 11 contract physicians providing neurological, anesthesia, psychiatric, gynecological and other services
-- $770,000 to reduce or cut translation services at clinics, health presentations for teenagers, dental health care for low-income children, tuberculosis intervention and a microbiologist
pioneers
I wonder how long it will be before the La Raza protests start?
Sitting back waiting for the lawsuits to be filed.
“About 5,500 undocumented adult immigrants are now eligible users of the county’s Basic Health Care Program”
Calling an illegal alien an “undocumented immigrant” is like calling a drug dealer an “unlicensed pharmacist”!
Yes.
I’m not allowed to make an undocumented withdrawal at my bank.
“Contra Costa County health officials announced a plan this week to exclude adult illegal immigrants from primary care services.”
Hey, here’s a great idea. Let’s only prosecute criminals captured on weekdays.
Ping!
BTT
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.