The need for continued health care reform hits close to home. Over 6 million Texans live without health insurance, and a great deal of the uninsured reside in South Texas.  To make matters worse, our state is suffering from health care disparities. People are disproportionally affected by diseases as a result of their race, socio-economic group, and place of residence.

 The passage of the Affordable Care Act is a historic step in improving the overall health of Texas  and our nation. With over 28% of Hidalgo County residents lacking health insurance coverage today, Hidalgo County has the most to gain from the Affordable Care Act and expanding Medicaid to include adults with incomes below 133 percent of the federal poverty level. Texas has an opportunity to dramatically decrease the rate of uninsured, improve families’ economic security, and reduce uncompensated care costs that burden hospitals.

Achieving comprehensive health care reform requires a uniquely Texan approach that preserves what works while introducing new elements that will allow us to meet 21st century needs and goals.  I pledge to continue working with my colleagues in the legislature to make health care more affordable and accessible for all, especially middle class, working poor, and other vulnerable Americans.

Finally, I remain committed to this and future generations by ensuring the preservation and continued improvement of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. We must ensure that Medicare beneficiaries, especially older Americans, have continued access to physician services and care.

Help support Representative Canales healthcare initiatives.