Texas faces big healthcare problems like hospitals closing and families putting off medical care. But there's good news - Democrats and Republicans in Texas agree on five healthcare policies that could help everyone. First, price transparency means hospitals must tell patients how much treatments cost upfront so families can plan and compare prices.
Second, allowing licensed counselors from other states to work in Texas, including through video calls, would give more people access to mental health care. Third, capping out-of-pocket costs would limit how much people pay for life-saving medicines like insulin and inhalers. Fourth, letting pharmacists test and treat common illnesses like strep throat, flu, and urinary tract infections would help people get care faster, especially in rural areas.
Fifth, expanding Medicaid has broad citizen support and would help keep rural hospitals open. These practical solutions show that even in divided times, Texans can find common ground on healthcare policies that would make care more affordable and accessible for everyone.