Health Policy
Get Texas Covered
Learn more about the uninsured crisis in Texas and what you can do to help. | While Texans have access to quality health care across the state, today’s economic forces could change this in the future. Texas has the highest rate of uninsured people in the nation. In 2006, some 24.5 percent of the Texas population, or about 5.7 million Texans, lacked health insurance coverage. For the non-elderly under age 65 population, the rate was 27.2 percent. Texas’ share of uninsured children, 21.2 percent, is higher than the national average of 11.7 percent. Lacking health insurance, more and more people are turning to hospitals for needed health care, and the amount of uncompensated care provided by hospitals continues to grow.
This problem is compounded by the fact that the state government does not adequately fund Medicaid, the joint state-federal program to provide health care to low-income children and pregnant women. Inadequate funding limits the number who can receive services and it means that doctors and hospitals are not paid enough to cover the cost of providing care. The Children’s Health Insurance Program suffers a similar fate. These government programs that are supposed to protect the state’s most vulnerable are inadequate. And, that has a profound effect on employers and their employees – actually all of us.
To help offset a portion of the losses on inadequate payments by government programs and the growing number of uninsured Texans, hospitals charge those with insurance more for services. This increase in charges results in more costly insurance premiums. Families USA estimates that Texas families pay some $1,551 more for health insurance premiums due to the uninsured.
Hospitals exist to provide needed health care services to everyone. But without some relief, hospitals will not be able to fulfill their mission. Government programs need to pay their fair share of treatment costs. Health insurance must be made affordable and accessible to small employers and working families. And, health care needs to emphasize prevention and wellness, and management of long-term, chronic conditions.
With one in four Texans lacking health insurance coverage, now is the time to act. Join Texas hospitals during the 2009 state legislative session in advocating for meaningful health care reform. Legislators, businesses, insurers, consumers and health care providers can work together, and get Texans covered!
|
...
