As a proud Texan, I am grateful to be from a state with so much potential, but that doesn’t mean we should shy away from addressing the areas where we can do better. One such area is access to health insurance.
A study published last month by SmartAsset revealed a staggering statistic: 19 of the 20 U.S. counties with the lowest rates of health insurance coverage are right here in Texas. This is a crisis that demands attention as the Texas Legislature begins its session in Austin. Our elected officials must understand the severity of this issue — one that impacts each and every corner of our state.
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Counties like Hidalgo, Cameron and Webb, where roughly 30% of residents are uninsured, are leading the nation in having the highest rates of people without health insurance. Other counties, including Ector, Potter and El Paso, follow closely behind. But the issue is not confined to rural areas. Major urban centers like Dallas and Harris counties, home to millions, also face alarming rates of uninsured individuals — 24% in Dallas and nearly 24% in Harris.
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Health care is not political. Texans across the state, regardless of party affiliation, are suffering. The uninsured are found everywhere, from the most rural to the most populous regions. As such, this is not simply a numbers issue; it’s a quality-of-life issue. We cannot expect our state to thrive if so many of its residents are without access to the health care they need to live healthy, productive lives. The future of Texas depends on ensuring that every Texan can take care of their health without the burden of unaffordable medical costs.
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The good news is that Texas has made progress. Although the state still leads the nation in the number of uninsured individuals under 65, the percentage of uninsured Texans has dropped from 27.6% two decades ago to 18.8% in 2022, according to reporting by Axios. This is a step in the right direction, but it’s far from enough.
As we look ahead, Texas lawmakers have an opportunity — no, a responsibility — to do more to improve health care access for all. We’ve seen what’s possible when we focus on solutions. Now, it’s time to ensure that every Texan, regardless of their background or where they live, has the opportunity to thrive.
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This issue is deeply personal for me. Before my mother’s passing, we faced an exhausting and often soul-crushing struggle to find her the right insurance to cover her complex health care needs. We went from one insurance plan to the next — switching between plans and keeping track of enrollment deadlines — all to make sure she had the care she needed. The system was frustrating and insufficient, and it’s something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Yet, millions of Texans face this very same challenge every day.
It is my hope that our state’s lawmakers take action to make health care more accessible, not just for families like mine, but for every Texan who desperately needs it.
Louis A. Bedford IV is a civil rights attorney in Dallas.
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Austin should take action to improve health care coverage
