Social determinants
Are texans on average, highly educated?
Texas is actually ranked among one of the lowest-educated states in the U.S. Most texans do not go into higher education which leads to less knowledge about preventative health measures and ways to reduce sickness.
Does Texas have a health coverage plan for undocumented immigrants?
No! Texas does not have any health coverage plans for undocumented immigrants. Undocumented immigrants have limited access to what healthcare options they may access.
What are some social determinants of health that can positively impact your lifestyle overall?
Income, education, and neighborhood environment.
In 1965 Congress voted to create these two programs
What is Medicaid and Medicare?
What is End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)?
This condition, discussed in class, disproportionately affects low-income Texans and non-U.S. citizens because of gaps in Medicaid coverage making consistent treatment like dialysis harder to access.
Does the built environment in Texas support positive health outcomes?
Yes and no! In major cities such as Houston, Dallas, and Austin access to healthy grocery stores is extremely easy. However if you go into more rural areas of Texas such as the panhandle, oftentimes you will find food deserts and restaurants that are mainly fast-food and unhealthy options. This limited access to fresh food leads to some texans never receiving the proper nutrition they need in a day!
Does Health care plans like Medicaid cover all low-income families?
No, many low-income families fall under a coverage gap due to the lack of expansion of Medicaid eligibility.
____________ is known as a resource for better housing, access to healthier foods, and higher quality-care.
Higher socioeconomic status
The____ increase the age limit for parental plans to the age of 26.
What is the Affordable Care Act (ACA) ?
What is the Medicaid coverage gap?
In Texas, limited Medicaid expansion has created this “gap,” leaving many low-income adults without access to affordable healthcare coverage.
Does economic status contribute to health outcomes, and are texans on average of lower economic status?
Yes! Economic status is a major factor of one's health outcomes. An average texan is of lower economic status which leads a decrease in quality of care. Due to financial restrictions many people cannot afford to have yearly checkups, checkups that could catch potentially life threatening diseases at an early time. Therefore lower economic status leads to worse health outcomes, and Texas is ranked nationally as a state of lower income.
Can homeless people access medical care, prescriptions, or disability benefits without a permanent address or government ID?
Yes, a homless person can access these kinds of medical care. However, it makes it significantly harder process and often causes people to avoid getting care.
What prevention is responsible for vaccines, exercise, and reducing environmental risks?
Primary prevention
What does "piecemeal fashion" mean in the context of US healthcare systems?
What is homelessness?
Rapid population growth and migration into Texas cities have contributed to rising rates of this social issue, which is closely tied to poor physical and mental health outcomes.
Is access to healthcare equal throughout Texas?
No! Once again, in major cities you can find many hospitals which hold some of the best healthcare professionals who will provide excellent care. However, as you move farther from main cities towards rural areas, access to healthcare is limited and of less quality. Although there are many hospitals along I-35, in some rural areas the nearest hospital is 25+ miles away.
Is all kinds of medical care covered by medicare?
No, Medicare does not cover all kinds of medical care. It covers most medically necessary impatient and outpatient services. However, it generally excludes long term care, (most) dental care, cosmetic surgery, hearing aids, ED medication.
Which population shows the lack of stable housing restricts them from getting consistent and proper medical attention?
People experiencing homelessness
What percentage does the Medicaid expansion cover of the Federal Poverty Level (as of 2025)?
138%
What is Roe v. Wade?
This 1973 Supreme Court decision once protected federal abortion rights but is central to understanding today’s restrictive reproductive healthcare laws in Texas.
Are poverty rates higher in Texas in comparison to the rest of the U.S?
Yes! Texas has higher poverty rates than the national average. These poverty rates include children specifically which means that from a young age, children are not being taken care of properly. They are not receiving proper medical care, immunizations or nutrition. The lack of care from a young age affects these people into their adult life and leads to worse health outcomes.
Four in ten __________ do not seek medical care.
immigrants
Which economic structure can leave uninsured rates high among those who identify as low-income and part-time workers?
Employer-based insurance systems that directly correlate to full-time job benefits.
“We have a wonderful sick care system that takes care of very sick people, but a very
inadequate health care system.” [..]
What is the Sick Care system?
What are undocumented immigrants?
In Texas, this group experiences higher rates of uninsured status and barriers to care due to policies limiting eligibility for public insurance programs and fears around seeking services.