El Paso, Texas has a high rate of uninsured individuals under the age of 65, with approximately 23.5% of the population lacking medical insurance, according to a recent study. This is 5% higher than the state average of around 18%.
Ian Escalante, an agency owner at Health Plans of Texas, attributes this high percentage to the fact that many people in El Paso fall below the income requirement to qualify for Affordable Care Act subsidies. Those who fall between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level are eligible for tax credits in the form of premium subsidies, which help reduce the cost of their monthly premium. However, those who do not meet this requirement must pay for their medical expenses out-of-pocket.
Escalante sometimes refers such individuals to University Medical Center, which has programs in place to assist with the cost of medical bills. Yoly Macias, a long-time patient, recalls the challenges she faced when she was uninsured and had to pay for medical expenses out-of-pocket. Despite now having insurance, Macias continues to visit University Medical Center for her healthcare needs.
Tune in to ABC 7 at 6pm to hear more from Macias about her experience at University Medical Center and how it has impacted her life since becoming insured.
