The statistics don’t lie: The second most populated state with the second highest GDP in the United States comes in dead last when it comes to healthcare access and affordability. Texas has the highest uninsured rate in the country for both adults (21.7%) and children (11.9%), nearly double the national rates. Texas is currently one of ten states that have opted not to expand Medicaid services. This decision impacts individuals who fall into a "coverage gap," meaning their income is too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to receive subsidies through the federal healthcare marketplace. Medicaid expansion could cut the uninsured rate in half, making health insurance accessible to over 1.4 million residents who are currently locked out of coverage, especially low-wage workers and families.

According to data published by Think Global Health, Medicaid expansion has been directly associated with positive outcomes including:

• Improved Public Health: Early detection of deadly, costly diseases like cancer, and a decline in infant mortality.
• Support for Rural Communities: Provides crucial assistance to low-income, uninsured populations in rural Texas.
• Economic Benefits: Contributes to trickle-down economic stimulus, leading to a decline in evictions and increased economic stability for families, including a reduction of medical debt.
• Equity and Systemic Improvements: Expanding coverage would address persistent racial disparities in access and outcomes, as approximately 74% of Texans in the coverage gap are people of color.

If Texas accepts Medicaid expansion, 34% of the state’s non-elderly adults would be able to access the crucial healthcare services they need to live healthy, strong, fulfilling lives. Polls show that the majority of Texans support expanding Medicaid to reach their fellow Texans in need. If you agree that Texas lawmakers need to listen to their citizens and expand Medicaid to Make Texas Healthy Again, please show your support by signing our petition!