There’s only so much money to go around. Even for hospitals, there is a finite limit to the care that can be provided before they risk going broke themselves. But, unlike many other institutions or business’ there is much more than jobs at stake here; there are lives. President Obama’s healthcare legislation would appear to solve some of the issue for many Americans that have previously been unable to afford treatment. But, that bill still does not cover those who are illegal immigrants. This has produced a serious dilemma for hospitals and health care institutions across the country.
One example of this, as reported by the NY Times, is that of Grady Hospital in Atlanta. They are set to ink a deal very soon that will secure the fate of a group of renal patients who are illegal immigrants. The hospital had been providing out-patient dialysis treatment for roughly 60 individuals. However, about a year ago, the program was shut down due to it and the overall financial failings of the hospital.
Initially, the hospital offered to pay to transport some of these individuals to others states or to their home countries, as well as pay for up to three months of treatment. Some took advantage of this offer, but ultimately after legal and media pressure, the hospital paid for a private company, Fresenius Medical Services to continue the treatments. That deal expired recently leaving the future, and in fact lives of these renal patients hanging in the balance.
This is where the tough questions for Grady and for the country begin. It comes down to money versus human life. As the population of illegal immigrants grows, it is obvious that this becomes a financial burden on the system. But, it is unethical to turn someone away who needs treatment to live.
Initially some thought that if these individuals could get to their own country and have help getting dialysis treatments started there, that would be the best option. It seems that of the people who accepted that initial plan from Grady Hospital, some have died….even with treatment in their home country. The fact still remains glaringly obvious that the quality of health care is much better in the United States. However, this does put American hospitals in an awkward position, often risking financial peril to treat those without insurance.
It does look like the new deal with Grady Hospital and other private dialysis providers will be sealed very soon. However, some details like length of treatment and how to handle other new cases has yet to be determined. The reality is, once again, there just isn’t much money….especially in the already overstrained medical sector.
Reality is that America has better healthcare and sometimes for those with serious illnesses, coming to the US can be a choice between life and almost certain death. Unfortunately, America can often be the land of opportunity for those who come from countries where work is scarce and medical services are expensive, inadequate, or unavailable. But that does put Americans in a tough position to decide whether to turn away someone (regardless of their status) because they can’t pay for treatment when we know that is almost certainly a death sentence.
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