Texas Hospitals Caught In Crossfire After Doctor Challenges Abbott’s Order

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott warned hospitals that failing to comply with his executive order regarding Medicaid patient intake forms could jeopardize their funding.

The controversy began when Dr. Tony Pastor, a cardiologist at Texas Children’s Hospital and assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine, posted a viral TikTok claiming patients are not obligated to answer the question, “Are you a U.S. citizen?” This followed Gov. Abbott’s Aug. 8 executive order requiring hospitals participating in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) to ask the citizenship question. 

Gov. Abbott took to X (formerly Twitter) on Nov. 24, issuing a stern warning directed at Pastor’s employers. “Hey Texas Children’s Hospital & Baylor College of Medicine, this doctor is putting your Medicaid & Medicare funding at risk,” Abbott posted. “(You) better think twice & have crystal clear records. There will be consequences for failing to follow the law in the Order.”

In response, Pastor posted another TikTok video on Nov. 26, addressing Abbott’s remarks and captioning it, “When the gov of Texas threatens you on Twitter because he is mad you exercised freedom of speech.”

Although Pastor’s original video has since been removed, advocacy groups and officials have backed his claim.

According to The San Antonio Express-News, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has confirmed that while hospitals must ask the citizenship question, patients are not required to answer. Similarly, the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District issued a flyer echoing this sentiment, assuring patients they cannot be denied care based on their response—or lack thereof—to the question.

A representative for the Texas Children’s Hospital wrote in a statement that it will be complying with Abbott’s executive order.

“Texas Children’s fully supports Governor Abbott’s new Executive Order and is in full compliance. We have worked closely with the Texas Hospital Association and our industry partners across the state to ensure compliance in advance of the effective date,” the spokesperson wrote.

“While we recognize that individuals working at Texas Children’s hold their own personal views on many topics, those opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Texas Children’s Hospital. We will continue to prioritize patient care while ensuring we are in full compliance with all laws and legal directives.”