Lowering health care costs is a priority for Texans

The Houston-based Episcopal Health Foundation published earlier this month a survey of Texas adults tracking their views on state health care costs and policy.

The topline finding, according to EHF, was that Texans think that state lawmakers should prioritize reducing health care costs, addressing maternal health and increasing funding for mental health programs as part of their work this year in the Capitol.

Nearly 90% of Texans, for instance, think it is important for the Legislature to lower the amount individuals pay for health care and prescription drugs, increase access to health insurance, increase funding for mental health programs, and reduce the number of women who die from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth.

Also of interest, more and more Texans say cost represents a barrier to receiving mental health care. For 2022, 27% didn’t seek mental health care because of cost. Compare that to 2021, when 23% skipped care due to cost. From 2018 through 2020, only 15% didn’t seek mental health care for that reason.

This chart further fleshes out those numbers, demonstrating that the cost of mental health care is especially difficult for the uninsured and those making less than 250% of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that equates to making less than $69,375 yearly.

EHF President and CEO Ann Barnes also serves on Texas 2036’s Board of Directors.