Texas is one of only 12 states that have not yet chosen to expand health insurance coverage to low-income adults using the financially attractive mechanism created with passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010. In addition to enhancing the health and wellbeing of individuals directly affected, expanding health insurance coverage involves substantial economic and fiscal benefits.
Texas is one of only 14 states choosing not to expand health insurance coverage to low-income adults using the financially attractive mechanism created with passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010. Almost 1.5 million Texans would immediately become eligible for expanded coverage, according to analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Dr. Perryman explains various legislative policies and the importance of expanding health insurance coverage in the state.
Dr. Perryman breaks down his firm's findings in a recent study on the benefits of a federal program to expand coverage for Texans.
If there was a way for Texas to expand health insurance coverage to nearly a million of the state's most vulnerable people, enhancing their access to needed care, I think we can all agree that would be a very good thing. State budget constraints are a reality, but if the expansion could be accomplished without costing taxpayers anything, it would clearly be the right choice. What if Texas could increase coverage and actually come out ahead for taxpayers because of the substantial economic benefits? It would only make sense to do so. Right?