Should undocumented aliens be entitled to health care?

Abstract

Congress recently decided that undocumented aliens are ineligible for medical benefits under the 1966 Medicaid Act, overruling a judicial decision that would have required the federal government to reimburse states partially for the costs of providing free care. Is providing such care simply a matter of prudence and charity? Or do illegal aliens have strong moral claims to medical care that generate duties for hospitals and government agencies?

KIE: The 99th Congress decided that undocumented aliens are ineligible for federal medical benefits under the 1966 Medicaid Act. The author considers whether providing "basic medical care" or a "decent minimum of medical care" to illegal immigrants is simply a matter of prudence and charity or whether it can be based on a moral claim that generates obligations for hospitals and government agencies. Nickel contends that countries able to ensure the availability of basic health care to their own citizens should provide the same guarantee to undocumented aliens. He rejects the position that nonmembership (i.e., not holding citizenship) or alleged forfeiture of moral standing and rights by illegal entry is a sufficient reason for denial of care. Provision of basic medical care to undocumented aliens is supported both by prudential reasons, and by moral arguments based on immigrants' contributions to society and on humanitarian duties to support survival and a decent life.