Senator Carlos Uresti learns importance of having Health Insurance
By: Jose G. Landa, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2016
The Eagle Pass Business Journal exclusively interviewed State Senator Carlos I. Uresti, District 19, of San Antonio, Texas on Friday, January 29, 2016 during his visit to inaugurate the new classroom addition to Sul Ross State University-Rio Grande College in Eagle Pass, Texas as well as visit with his Maverick County constituents.
Senator Carlos Uresti noted that he was recently admitted to a San Antonio hospital on Saturday, January 23, 2016 after feeling ill for more than a week. After undergoing medical evaluation, Uresti’s ailment was diagnosed with “carotid artery dissection” due to a tear in his carotid artery which caused blockage near his head.
A long-time advocate for expanding Medicaid in Texas, Senator Uresti personally learned an invaluable lesson on the importance of why every Texan should have health insurance coverage through private insurance companies, the Affordable Care Act, or Medicaid.
“I had a headache and neck pain for almost a week, and on Saturday made the decision to finally get it checked out. Less than two hours later, my doctor admitted me into the emergency room. If I didn’t have insurance, I’m not sure I would have gone. This personal and serious experience further solidifies in my mind the importance of reducing the high rate of uninsured Texas families,” said Senator Uresti.
“Being from the Southside, and a Marine—I know that many men are raised with the mindset to just ‘tough it out’ when you have a pain. You might eat healthy, exercise, or train for a marathon—you name it—but if your body gives you a sign that something might be wrong, you need to listen and get it checked out ASAP. No amount of pride is worth your life,” said Senator Uresti.
“I’m in pretty good shape, maintain a good diet, and don’t smoke notwithstanding that I had an issue arise that affected my carotid artery. The doctors can’t even tell me why. I was fortunate that I was able to go see a doctor after a few days, that I had insurance, hospitalized for five days, again , it just caught me completely off guard. It’s not related to my diet, stress; it’s just a situation that occurred. But, thank goodness I had health insurance coverage, and I know a lot of folks here in Eagle Pass, Maverick County and the surrounding areas in my district that don’t have health insurance,” said Senator Uresti.
According to a research study by the Center for American Progress Action Fund in Washington, D.C., there are 3,142 Counties in the United States with a population greater than 25,000, including Maverick County. Maverick County is among the top 30 Counties in the United States that needs the most Affordable Care Act health insurance due to the fact that 33.9% (one-third) of its residents under the age of 65 are uninsured for health care coverage. Local health care providers estimate the total percentage of uninsured Maverick Countians under the age of 65 may be closer to 50%.
According to the study, Maverick County is the ninth (9th) county in the United States with the overall highest percentage of uninsured individuals under the age of 65 with a 33.9% rate.
Senator Uresti emphasized the importance of every person having appropriate health insurance coverage and the need to expand Medicaid in the State of Texas.
“One of the things that I have worked on since I’ve been at the legislature and having served and still serve on the Health and Human Services Committee is trying to expand Medicaid to try to cover as many families as possible . Unfortunately, the Republicans and the majority of the legislature (Republicans) has fought us on that. It’s unfortunate because I have the third largest district in Texas, but I also have the third poorest district in Texas, even more reason why we need to expand Medicaid to help these poor families and children,” said Senator Uresti.
It is estimated that 40% of children in Maverick County and 11.4% of the elderly live in poverty, totaling 24,560 Maverick County residents. Approximately 40 percent of all Maverick Countians live or earn under the U.S. poverty guideline level of $20,090 per year for a family of three persons.
“Unfortunately, that is one of the issues that exist and I will continue to fight so that we can expand coverage,” said Senator Uresti.
“The care that I have received from my doctors and nursing staff has been incredible. They identified the medical issue and immediately began to treat it before it could progress. I will be back to working for my 821,000 constituents in no time at all,” said Senator Uresti.
Senator Carlos Uresti was released from the hospital on Wednesday evening, January 27, 2016, following five days of treatment. Although the blockage in his neck and some headaches still remain, he is receiving excellent care from doctors who are aggressively treating the tear to his carotid artery. The prognosis is very good and most likely surgery will not be necessary.
“My message to you is to get a checkup, talk to your doctor about what ails you and encourage your family members to do the same. It could be a game changer for your health and in your life. The Lord was clearly looking over me,” said Senator Uresti.
“I am excited about returning back to work this week and look forward to continuing to visit my constituents throughout the 17 counties of District 19. I want to thank everyone for their blessings and their kind messages,” said Senator Uresti. Uresti vowed to continue being a fierce advocate for expanding Medicaid in Texas despite Republicans opposition to it.
