The census figures have confirmed that the Harris County residents really lack health care. Only 32% have adequate health insurance coverage. In a county-by-county survey it was revealed that 32% residents below the age of 65 still lack health insurance. The survey is based on the reams of survey data available with population estimates and also records available from administration offices, food stamps doled out and insurance plans for kids.
Health insurance officials seemed concerned with these increasing ranks of the uninsured. In Texas there are 26.3 % uninsured which incidentally is the highest
“It’s a number, I think, that is way too high,” said David S. Lopez, CEO of the Harris County Hospital District. “There are two growing populations: the medically indigent and the individuals who are working and their employers no longer provide insurance.” The fact that the seniors have been excluded could also be the reason for the high numbers as most of the seniors are covered by Medicare.
“The numbers don’t surprise me,” Eschbach said. “This is reflecting long-term trends. Partly, it’s associated with the very large immigrant population, which has very, very low rates of coverage.”
The figures might not be very accurate as the earlier figures counted the elders too. The 2005 consensus therefore might not give a very accurate comparison with earlier surveys.
