Denying Healthcare: Kolkhorst, Harless, And The Blood On Their Hands
The tragic toll of uninsured Texans is brought to you by Republicans hell-bent on "owning the libs."
The uninsured are four times more likely to die from health-related problems. They are much less likely to receive needed medical care, even for symptoms with serious health consequences, if not treated.
Texas has the highest number and the highest percentage of uninsured residents nationwide. Over 700 Texans die every year because they don’t have access to affordable healthcare.
With 18% of Texans remaining uninsured, Texas is only one of 10 states which still hasn’t expanded Medicaid.
A 2020 study finds that the cost share of implementing Medicaid expansion in Texas would be fully covered by the savings and new revenues that Medicaid expansion generates for the state government — with extra savings left over. The study estimates that the non-federal costs would be $650 million per year, and annual state savings would total $704 million, for a net state budget savings of $54 million per year.
In 2018, every Dallas County property owner paid, on average, $535 to Parkland Health and Hospital System, which provided $1 billion in uncompensated care. But it isn’t just Dallas County; any county with a county hospital will pass the uncompensated care pricetag on to homeowners.
Every other year, Democrats in the Texas Legislature introduce legislation to expand Medicaid. By expanding Medicaid, countless lives would be saved, the state would save $54 million, and your property insurance would be drastically cut.
Democrats tried again in the 88th Legislature.
The following Democrats each introduced a bill to expand Medicaid:
Representative John Bucy
Representative Diago Bernal and Bobby Guerra
Senators Nathan Johnson and Cesar Blanco
Senator Judith Zaffirini
In the Senate, the bills were each sent to Committee on Health and Human Services, where Chair Lois Kolkhorst (R) killed them.
In the House, the bills were each sent to the Health Care Reform Select Committee, where Chair Sam Harless (R) killed them.
Expanding Medicaid would save lives, but Republicans killed the bills.
Expanding Medicaid would save Texas money, but Republicans killed the bills.
Expanding Medicaid would lower Texan’s property taxes, but Republicans killed the bills.
We should be beyond asking “why” at this point and ensure we do what we can to get these Republicans out of office. Unfortunately, Lois Kolkhorst is not up for election until 2026, but Sam Harless is up for election in 2024. During the last election, he ran unopposed. We cannot allow that to happen again.
Do you hear that, Harris County Democratic Party? Make sure a challenger is facing Harless on the ballot next year.
If every uninsured person in Texas voted in the next election, we could get the Republicans out and change the lives of millions. We only have to show up.