Picking up the Tab for Illegals

The U.S. taxpayer will begin paying for emergency medical care for illegal aliens.

Beginning today, California hospitals and health care providers can charge the federal government for emergency care they provide to illegal immigrants. The Bush administration announced final rules Monday for seeking reimbursements funded by a 2003 Medicare law that set aside $1 billion over four years.

California providers are to get $71 million of the $250 million that will be disbursed by Sept. 30 -- more than providers in any other state..."It is hugely symbolic, because it is the first time the federal government has acknowledged that it has a role."

Under law, anyone who requires emergency medical work cannot be denied treatment. Fine - but how about treating illegals, then informing the authorities? The truth is that "illegal" aliens should not have access to the same benefits as those who actually obey our laws.