Dialysis Covered for Undocumented Immigrants in California
California and New York are among a few states that cover dialysis for undocumented immigrants under their Medicaid programs, highlighting the wide variation among states in their health care policies regarding undocumented immigrants, the Los Angeles Times reports.
In California, undocumented immigrants account for about 1,350 out of the 61,000 patients who undergo kidney dialysis each year, and the state paid about $51 million last year to cover the service.
California also covers the cost of kidney transplants for undocumented immigrants.
Stan Rosenstein, administrator of Medi-Cal, said the choice in California was economically motivated.
According to the Times, one routine dialysis treatment costs about $250, while emergency treatment for kidney problems can amount to thousands of dollars.
Nonetheless, supporters of stricter immigration policies oppose the situation (Zarembo/Gorman, Los Angeles Times, 10/29). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.