Because Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini strongly believes health care is a right, not a privilege, she supports expanding Medicaid, ensuring rural areas have enough doctors and nurses, and protecting healthcare access for people with pre-existing conditions.

Texas has the highest uninsured rate in the nation—18 percent, compared to 8.6 percent nationally—making it difficult for many to afford basic care. That’s why Dean Senator Zaffirini is a strong supporter of Medicaid expansion, the Affordable Care Act, and state legislation banning health insurance policies that exclude persons with preexisting conditions.

As insurance premiums, deductibles, and prescription drug costs keep rising, fewer Texans can afford needed care. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated inequities and caused significant fiscal challenges to our health care system. This is especially true in medically underserved rural areas, which often have too few primary care providers, high infant mortality or poverty rates, and/or large elderly populations. Poor healthcare access is not only detrimental to individual families, but it also could cause long-term damage to the state’s economy.

Improving health equity outcomes, ensuring affordable and accessible health care, and supporting local public health initiatives are among Dean Senator Zaffirini’s priorities. She looks forward to working hard to increase rural healthcare resources in the next legislative session.