Liliana Prado: Immigrants in ER costs even more
Re “Health care expansion for migrants opposed” (Page A1, Oct. 24): First, undocumented residents should have access to health care because they are people. It doesn’t matter where you were born, or what language you speak. Health care is a human right.
Clearly, people should be the most important part of this discussion, but many, sadly, would rather talk about money. Particularly money in the form of taxes. So let’s talk taxes for a second. Blocking access to health care is not only wrong, but it is financially irresponsible. Blocking access to health care raises taxes. Without access to preventative care, people will be forced to get their health care from emergency rooms, which will lead to increased costs in health care for all Californians. The emergency room visits are a hidden tax on all of us. We simply can’t afford to treat people differently and I believe our health system is stronger when all Californians are included!
Liliana Prado, Merced
This story was originally published October 28, 2014 at 6:34 PM with the headline "Liliana Prado: Immigrants in ER costs even more."