Why does Texas have so many people without health insurance?
Asked by: Sister Robel | Last update: January 25, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (44 votes)
Why does Texas have so many uninsured people?
Roughly half of uninsured Texans have incomes over 200% of the federal poverty level (about $55,500 annually for a family of four). This challenges a narrative that uninsured Texans are low-income, and it shows that accessing affordable care is a challenge for working, middle-class Texas families.
Why is Texas ranked so low in healthcare?
Texas ranked low because it has: A high percentage of uninsured people. Expensive mental health treatment services.
What percentage of Texans are without health insurance?
Texas has the country's largest share of Americans under 65 without health insurance, according to new Census Bureau data. Why it matters: Nearly 19% of Texans are uninsured as of 2022. It's a big improvement over 2006, when 27.6% of Texans were uninsured — but still nearly double the national uninsured rate of 9.5%.
What is the problem with Texas healthcare?
Texas has more uninsured residents than any other state, and low reimbursement rates make it difficult for hospitals to keep their doors open — especially in rural areas.
My Husband Doesn't Believe In Health Insurance
What happens if you don't have health insurance in Texas?
If you do not have health insurance, you can contact your local community health center for assistance. These centers provide high quality, low-cost health care on a sliding fee scale to individuals and their families regardless of age, health, insurance, or immigration status.
Where does Texas rank in healthcare?
Texas Ranks #49 out of 50 for healthcare access and #45 overall for healthcare. While costs and outcomes are factors, the biggest driver behind the ranking is access according to a July 2024 study conducted by Wallet Hub.
What state has the most uninsured people?
Share of residents who are uninsured, 2022
Overall, 9.5% of Americans were uninsured. States in the South, especially Texas, had more uninsured residents compared to states in the Northeast and Rust Belt. Kenedy County, Texas, had the highest share at 37.7%, while Los Alamos County, N.M., had the lowest at 2.1%. D.C.
How much does the average Texan pay for health insurance?
How much does health insurance cost in Texas? Health insurance in Texas costs $610 per month, on average, but you could pay $33 per month or even less if you get discounts based on your income. Your age affects your health insurance costs.
How do most Texans obtain health insurance?
Most insured Texans are covered by private insurance, or through government programs like Medicare (for the elderly), Medicaid (for low-income pregnant women and children), the Children's Health Insurance Program (for children whose families' incomes exceed Medicaid limits) or a county's program for poor residents.
What U.S. state has the best healthcare?
Why is health insurance so expensive in Texas?
Rising health care costs are the main reason for higher premiums. Health cost increases are part of a national trend. For the last several years, health costs nationwide have risen at higher rates than overall inflation. Premiums are going up not only for GBP health plans, but also for health plans around the country.
Who is the largest healthcare provider in Texas?
Which Texas health system has the most hospitals? Tenet Healthcare, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is the largest Texas health system on our list, with 77 hospitals and over $12 billion in net patient revenue.
Is it illegal to be uninsured in Texas?
Yes, it is illegal to drive without car insurance in Texas. Texas laws require drivers to demonstrate financial proof to compensate for the losses they cause in an accident.
Which state does not require health insurance?
New Jersey, California, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia require their residents to have health insurance coverage or face penalties. Vermont recommends that residents have coverage, but there's no noncompliance penalty.
How to live without medical insurance?
Being uninsured or underinsured does not mean there are no avenues to get health coverage. Hospitals that accept federal money must provide a certain amount of free or reduced fee care. Check with the hospital's financial aid department to see if you qualify for reduced or charity care.
Why do so many Texans not have health insurance?
Another factor that increases the likelihood of being uninsured is the level of educational attainment. Texas has lower rates of high school and college graduates than the national average (Murdoch, 2003). There is a strong correlation between education and income as well as between income and insurance.
Is $200 a month expensive for health insurance?
Is $200 a month expensive for health insurance in California? Health insurance that costs $200 per month is a good deal in California. Silver plans typically cost $513 per month for a 21-year-old or $656 per month for a 40-year-old.
How much do Mexicans pay for healthcare?
Health Insurance in Mexico: Average Cost
The costs will vary depending on the type of medical insurance, level of cover, the number of family members covered, among other factors. Just as an estimate, the average cost is around 38,000 MXN (1,700 USD) a year, with a deductible of approximately 11,000 MXN (5,000 USD).
What race is the most uninsured?
Uninsured rates are higher among Latino, American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN), Black, and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) people than among Asian, white, and multiracial people.
Which states have the poorest health?
- Arkansas: 23.94% (up 2.10 percentage points)
- Mississippi: 20.32% (up 0.92 percentage points) ...
- Nevada: 20.64% (up 2.38 percentage points)
- New Mexico: 20.72% (up 1.64 percentage points)
- West Virginia: 23.30% (up 1.64 percentage points)
How many people drive without insurance in Texas?
Texas is one of the most expensive states for car insurance. An estimated 12 – 20 percent of Texas drivers are uninsured.
What state is #1 in quality of life?
Overall, the study ranked Massachusetts as the best place to live in the U.S. thanks in part to the state's education and health, (where it ranked first in the country), and their quality of life, (where it ranked sixth). Other states that rounded out the top five were Florida, New Jersey, Utah and New Hampshire.
Why is healthcare an issue in Texas?
Health care prices in Texas are unaffordable and continue to rise at unsustainable levels. The total premium for employer-sponsored insurance — which covers about half the population — to cover a family averaged more than $22,000 in 2022. That's about one-third of the median household income in Texas.
What hospital is ranked number 1 in Texas?
The number 1 hospital in Texas is Houston Methodist Hospital.