Texas currently ranks 46th among the 50 states in regards to health care. In an article titled, "Texas health care ranked 46th in nation", Karen Davis stated, "There's no justification for any state to be far below the best state." In comparison to Massachusetts, which has a 92.8 percent of its working adults having health insurance, Texas has just 68.5 percent. This means that one in four Texans are uninsured.
Regardless of whether or not this is an issue personally, I say, "don't take this issue lightly". Some may have insurance through their job, parents, personal health insurance plans, been approved for government assistance such as Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), or are currently in perfect health, thus, simply do not care. As life is filled with challenges and ups and downs, many may find themselves in that number; uninsured or underinsured. What happens if one is diagnosed with a terminal illness and incur astronomical medical and hospital bills as so many Texans currently find themselves? Will the savings account or 401K Retirement cover it all or better yet, is there a 401K at all? Will family members have to begin a “Save My Life” fundraising campaign?
After several unsuccessful attempts by previous administrations, in March 2010 the health care reform proposed by the Obama administration has finally passed by the House at a vote of 219 to 212 and the Senate at 220- 211. Although there has been much debate by both parties regarding what should be included in the bill, there being too much “governmental control, etc.” I feel that the passing of this bill is the step in the right direction, especially for Texas. The Center for Public Policy Priorities, an agency that represent the low to moderate income households of Texas, stated, "Because Texas ranks first in the percentage of uninsured, Texas stands to gain the most from national health care reform."
As with any bill that passes, there will always be those that do not agree or will be left out, but overall, this bill will provide coverage for many citizens that never would have had a chance at coverage at all. I feel that everyone who is a citizen of Texas deserves to have healthcare coverage. People should have the peace of mind that if they get sick; they have affordable healthcare coverage that will entitle them to receive the care they need. I believe that everyone should get actively involved and familiarize themselves with the issues of health care reform because this topic affects us all directly or indirectly.
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Regarding a classmate's blog about health insurance, I totally agree with the much needed health insurance for all citizens in Texas. With health insurance, the citizens can feel safe and assure that they will be taken care of when they are sick or hospitilized. We all deserve to have an equal health care system, especially since Texas is so wealthy industrially. Being ranked as one of the most populated stated, but at the same time one of the states with the most insured. This altogether just makes Texas look bad in a waybecause it makes Texas seem cold hearted and neglected about their own people. Isn't that true though? So many people are walking around uninsured, and Texas is not doing anything.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I think that Obama's plan is great! It will give everyone a chance to have health insurance and know that they are covered when they go to the doctor. However, the issue we need to worry is who is this everybody we are regarding to? Will this be the illegal immigrants as well? Not only that, but we have to consider another major problem: money. How much does the health insurance cost? Will it be affordable and reasonable for everyone? In general, I think that a nationwide health insurance is great but we must look at other important details before giving everyone the agreement that they are all insured.