Because Senator Judith Zaffirini strongly believes health care is a right, not a privilege, she champions expanding access to quality health and human services, especially for the very young, the very old, the very poor, persons with disabilities, and veterans. 

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 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. What’s more, as a key member of the Senate Higher Education Committee, she advocates for increased commitments to medical education, including not only MDs, but also physician assistants, nurses and nurse practitioners, and CRNAs.

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 Senator Zaffirini’s priorities. She looks forward to working hard to increase rural healthcare resources in the next legislative session.