Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak responded by saying foreign nationals should be sent home -- but with their consent, unlike the practices of some Floridian and Texan hospitals.
The hospital is projecting a $70 million budget gap, compared with the $24 million annual cost of treating these patients, which is not reimbursed.
Mexican officials say they want to bring their people home to take care of them -- but their health may far much worse once they cross the border.
It is a classic immigration conundrum:
Is U.S. citizenship the only thing that would confer legitimacy to these people's health treatments at Las Vegas' only publicly supported hospital?
What about a decade of hard work in the surrounding area? Does that mean the kidneys of these 80 illegal immigrants should not be allowed to fail?
Does the U.S. have an obligation to care for all the people who power its economy?
Can doctors fulfill their Hippocratic Oath while denying care based on whether their hospital will be reimbursed? Who should they save first?
The story you just read is only possible because readers like you support our mission to uncover truths that matter. If you value this reporting, help us continue producing high-impact investigations that drive real-world change. Your donation today ensures we can keep asking tough questions and bringing critical issues to light. Join us — because fearless, independent journalism depends on you!
“They knew he was dying,” says his wife, who wasn’t told until it was too late
Get the inside scoop in your inbox, free.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletters and never miss an investigation.
TRIPLE your gift today!
From now until Dec. 31, NewsMatch and a generous local donor will each match community donations, matching your new monthly donation 12 times or TRIPLE your new one-time gift, all up to $1,000.
