U.S. Representative Pete P. Gallego meets and greets Maverick County Health Care Providers

By: Miguel Munoz, Copyright 2014, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

United States Representative Pete P. Gallego (TX-23rd, D) visited Maverick County health care providers and professionals at a meet and greet reception held at the Maverick County Hospital District’s Conference Room on Tuesday, April 22, 2014.

Congressman Gallego was welcomed to the meet and greet reception by Maverick County Hospital District Board of Trustees Ricardo E. Calderon and Humberto Duran and Interim Chief Executive Officer William Worrell.

Over 20 local health care providers and professionals attended the reception with Congressman Gallego. Gallego answered questions from attendees.

Congressman Gallego noted that over eight (8) million Americans had enrolled in health insurance plans in the marketplace as a result of the Affordable Care Act, surpassing the projected seven million mark.

Over 35 percent of Maverick Countians are uninsured, representing a significant need for public health assistance within the community.

Over six (6) million Americans were denied eligibility to health care insurance under the Affordable Care Act in states governed by Republican Governors such as Texas under Governor Rick Perry by restricting the income eligibility guidelines as well as denying expansion of Medicaid.

Congressman Gallego stated that the Affordable Care Act will require further amendments in the future to adjust necessary programs.

Accompanying Congressman Gallego was his Eagle Pass office representative, Cynthia Martinez.

Refreshments were provided to attendees.