Texas hospitals will have to start tracking how much is spent on undocumented immigrants [Video]

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Texas hospitals will soon have to start tracking how many of its patients are in the country illegally.

An executive order signed by Gov. Greg Abbott Thursday afternoon requires hospitals to start tracking that information by Nov. 1. Hospitals will also have to track how much money they spend on care for undocumented immigrants.

The order requires hospitals to report its findings to the state’s Health and Human Services Commission four times a year starting March 1.

“I very much believe this is a political move that vilifies our immigrant communities,” Imelda Mejia, with the immigrant advocacy group Texas Rising, said.

Mejia worries the new law will make people think twice about seeking treatment.

“It’s going to throw patients for a loop, I think, and we know that immigrant families already have a hard time navigating our health care system,” she said.

As noted in the executive order, patients won’t …