La Marque, TX – March 13, 2009 – A bill introduced in the Texas Legislature designed to address the critical shortage of family health providers across the state would bring much-needed resources to Galveston County Coordinated Community Clinics (4C’s) and help bring care to additional people in Galveston county and the surrounding areas.
 
HB 1876 by Rep. Warren Chisum and Rep. Richard Raymond would establish the Texas Health Care Access Fund.  For family care physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, psychologists and other selected primary care professionals locating in areas of great need, the Fund would be available to assist in paying off student loans amassed during medical school or other health professional training. More than half of Texas counties currently need additional primary care physicians.
 
The average medical school graduate carries a debt of up to $160,000 in student loans.  Average dental school debt also reaches $160,000. HB 1876 would significantly expand loan repayment programs for primary care providers who come to areas of greatest need and stay for at least 4 years.
 
“It is a constant struggle to find providers to address the growing need for our services in the community,” said Mark Guidry, MD, MPH, Chief Executive Officer of the Galveston County Health District.  “This bill will give us an excellent recruiting tool to bring more doctors and other crucial family care providers to Galveston County, particularly after the impact of Hurricane Ike.

Before Hurricane Ike, recruiting providers was a challenge.  After Ike it has become an even greater challenge, as many residents have become unemployed and uninsured.   This has created a greater need for providers who are dedicated to serving them.  

In addition to providing incentives for health care providers, the Texas Health Access Fund would also provide support for the 4C’s clinics and other federally-qualified health centers across Texas. Such support would be critical as new health providers and services are established in shortage areas.  Funding for HB 1876 would come from a restructuring of the tobacco tax, closing a current loophole on smokeless tobacco products.
 
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the latest numbers for 2008 revealed that 26 Texas counties had no primary care physician.  Eighteen counties had only one. In addition, 46 Texas counties lacked a dentist.  Provider shortages are not limited to rural areas of the state. Inner-city and border communities are without adequate access to primary and preventive care.
 
“Many families in our area and across Texas seeking basic healthcare are forced to travel to the nearest doctor many miles away, turn to highly expensive emergency room care, or simply go without care,” said Guidry.  “The latter two alternatives have a great impact on healthcare costs for everyone.  House Bill 1876 makes sense if we are to meet our future needs while working to keep costs and the taxes associated with healthcare costs in check.”

For more information on House Bill 1876 and the Texas Health Care Access Fund, visit www.HealthAccessForTexas.org