Often times they refuse to treat people without excellent insurance or credit cards with large limits.
The federal government requires only that emergency rooms of hospitals that accept Medicare stabilize anyone who is brought in. After they are stable, the hospital has no further obligation unless state law, local laws, or hospital policies require it. (Some are nonprofit charitable organizations)
Like all businesses, some hospitals are willing to take less desirable credit risks. There is nothing unique to illegal laborers and older hospitals closing. Or any type older business closing in light of new competition.
I'll bet a lot of hospitals will stop accepting Medicare patients.
Like all businesses, some hospitals are willing to take less desirable credit risks.
And those hospitals are going to be pretty bad hospitals. That's why good people are leaving the Southwest.