Immigrants Cost Health-Care System Far Less Than Native-Born Americans

cornflake

cornflake

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Though many people (not posters, people, politicians, etc.), seem to think immigrants are a big drain on the system, take money from native-born Americans (despite that undocumented people end up paying into taxes but not getting most benefits), a new study proves that's not the case.

immigrants actually use far less healthcare resources than non-immigrants, and may actually subsidize the health care of U.S. citizens.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Tufts University assessed all peer-reviewed studies since 2000 related to healthcare costs by immigrants in the United States. The authors found that across all age groups, immigrants’ overall healthcare costs were one-half to two-thirds those of people born in the U.S.

Health expenditures were particularly low for undocumented immigrants. The report also found that immigrants make up 12% of the population, but only account for 8.6% of total U.S. healthcare spending...
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frimble3

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Makes sense: the undocumented ones are afraid to seek medical help, lest they be turned in.

The other immigrants: does the government still screen for medical problems pre-arrival? This used to be a big thing in Ellis Island days.
In any case, by the time an immigrant refugee gets to the U.S., the length and difficulty of the journey, from their place of origin to the processing point/refugee camp to the U.S. has probably weeded out the really unwell. Only the fittest survive.
And, if they weren't used to being able to access medical care before, it's probably not their first thought now. Especially as it costs money.
 
jennontheisland

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People coming from places with minimal health care options will not be socially conditioned to seek out health care. The financial results of this are as anticipated.
 
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