AUSTIN – This is National Cover the Uninsured Week, and events across the country are highlighting the problem of the uninsured and proposing strategies to help more people find health coverage to protect themselves and their families from the high cost of medical care. Unfortunately, Texas leads the nation in the rate of uninsured. Approximately one in four Texans does not have health coverage. That’s about five and a half million men, women and children.
One factor cited as a reason why individuals, families and companies do not purchase health insurance is a lack of knowledge about how to shop for health care coverage or where to turn for a list of available resources. In Texas the answer is: www.TexasHealthOptions.com.
TexasHealthOptions.com is a comprehensive starting point for anyone seeking information about how to go about finding health care insurance, or in some cases, options for low-cost or free health care services. The website guides consumers through a series of questions designed to help them determine what type of coverage they need, and whether they may be eligible for various types of public coverage. Information and links are provided to a large number of public programs and informational resources.
The website can be accessed from the TDI homepage, www.tdi.state.tx.us, or directly at www.TexasHealthOptions.com. Both English and Spanish versions are available.
Business owners considering providing health benefits to their employees can visit TDI’s Business Resources page at: http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/commish/smbiz.html. There they can find information about options such as Consumer Choice Plans, Small Employer Health Coalitions and Health Group Cooperatives, tailored to meet their particular needs.
There are options for finding and obtaining health coverage in Texas. And doing so is critical to a person’s well being. Besides the health risks associated with not having access to regular medical care, a serious illness or injury can easily wipe out an uninsured family’s bank account. TDI encourages all consumers to be proactive and investigate the options available to them, by contacting a local insurance agent or visiting www.TexasHealthOptions.com. If you need more help getting started, call the TDI Consumer Help Line at 1-800-252-3439.