A study conducted in El Paso, Texas, found that almost a quarter of the population does not have medical insurance. According to US census data, the rate of uninsured individuals under the age of 65 in El Paso is 23.5%, which is significantly higher than the state average of approximately 18%.
Ian Escalante, an agency owner at Health Plans of Texas, attributes this high percentage of uninsured individuals to the fact that many fall below the necessary income requirement to qualify for Affordable Care Act subsidies. He explains that people 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 the income requirement are left to pay medical expenses out-of-pocket. Escalante sometimes refers such individuals to University Medical Center, as they have programs in place to assist with the cost of medical bills.
Yoly Macias, a long-time patient, recalls the challenges she faced in receiving medical attention when she was uninsured. She had to pay for medical expenses out-of-pocket during that time. 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 made a difference in her life.
