Free Republic

There are 646 rural hospitals at risk of closure due to financial issues, comprising around 30 percent of all rural hospitals in the U.S., according to the Center for Healthcare Quality & Payment Reform.The hospitals face losses on patient services as health plans aren't paying enough to cover the cost of care delivery. The losses will likely increase as inflation and workforce shortages persist, according to the report, which was released in April. While rural hospitals are receiving some support through grants, local tax revenues or other profits, they still have low financial reserves and remain at risk.More than half...

The Houston Police Department has instructed officers not to photograph illegal immigrants seeking day jobs, after an incident last month prompted an outcry from an immigrant rights group. Houston police Capt. Juan Trevino made the pledge to 400 people who attended a meeting Tuesday night organized by The Metropolitan Organization, an interfaith grass-roots political action group.

<p>In the last three months the obsessed minority of freepers but very vocal who hate President Bush have been bombarding us with every illegal immigration thread under the sun so they have their "BASH BUSH ORGY".</p> <p>Pick up your phone and report to the INS about an illegal immigrant and his employer. I am sure you know at least one illegal immigrant who works in a convenient store, on a gas station, clean the garbage in your office, clean the bathroom at your work place... And I am sure you know one of these employers who hire illegal immigrants. Go ahead Mucho Guys, do your duty and report them to the INS. Let us see how courageous you are and let us see your action following your rhetoric.</p>

BISBEE - Small rural hospitals such as Copper Queen Community Hospital in Bisbee will be partly reimbursed for treating illegal immigrants under a new law that takes effect today. The Medicare Prescription Drug and Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 will allow hospitals to be reimbursed at a small percentage for treating illegal immigrants - if the proper paperwork is filed with the federal government. Copper Queen Community Hospital loses about $450,000 a year for treating illegal immigrants for free. Jim Dickson, chief executive officer for the hospital, said he thinks his hospital, at best, will be receiving 10 cents...