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The T.L.L. Temple Foundation continues to accept proposals for education, economic opportunity, health, human services, and arts and culture. Our highest priorities in health are Provider Availability and Affordable Health Options.
To view our complete strategic plan, please click here.
OBJECTIVE
The supply of primary care providers, dentists, and other high need health occupations in East Texas is increased.
CHALLENGE
There is a shortage of healthcare providers across the country, but rural areas are especially impacted. The federal government projects a shortage of more than 20,000 primary care physicians in rural areas by 2025.1 The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) estimates that approximately 10,000 additional dental practitioners are needed to meet the current need for dental care in 6,300 mostly rural communities.2 This inadequate supply of primary care providers, dentists, and other provider types has plagued East Texas for decades. According to HRSA, all Texas counties in the foundation’s service area are health professional shortage areas (HPSAs) for primary care, 19 counties are HPSAs for dental care, and all counties with the exception of Harris are HPSAs for mental health care.3 Provider-to-patient ratios for primary care are three times the U.S. average and 19 of the foundation’s rural counties have worse ratios than the state average.4 One reason rural areas lack primary care physicians is that physicians usually choose to live in the area where they complete their residencies. With 99 percent of residencies located in urban or suburban areas, it is no surprise that rural areas are faced with physician shortages.5 When people do not have consistent access to a primary care provider, conditions such as depression, and early signs of cancer or chronic disease may go undetected and untreated potentially leading to premature death. Patients routinely seen by a primary care provider have a 19 percent lower chance of premature death than those who only see specialists for their care.6 A lack of dental care can also lead to poor health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, respiratory infections, and diabetic complications.7 There is no doubt that without adequate access to health care, rural East Texans will struggle with their health, have less opportunities, and contribute less to building thriving communities.
OPPORTUNITY
Although the lack of primary care providers is disheartening, there are reasons for optimism in a few areas. Sam Houston State University (SHSU) launched a College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2020 with a focus on addressing the shortage of primary care physicians in rural East Texas. Osteopathic physicians tend to choose primary care tracts and are more likely to practice in rural locations.8 In early 2020, the University of Texas System announced it would establish a medical school in Tyler to increase access to care in the East Texas region. Additionally, for new physicians and dentists who are not interested in starting an independent practice, rural East Texas has a number of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) which are regularly looking to hire primary care physicians and dentists. Physicians and dentists who work in a clinic have the advantages of an established patient base, reduced administrative responsibilities, and no up-front investment in starting their own practice.
MONITORING PROGRESS
To determine the success of our strategies and efforts we will:
OBJECTIVE
East Texans obtain affordable health insurance
CHALLENGE
Health insurance is crucial to a family’s well-being and financial security. Health insurance offers protection from high, unexpected medical expenses which could push struggling families into poverty. Additionally, health insurance provides access to primary and preventive care leading to better health outcomes. Uninsured people receive less medical care and less timely care leading to worse health outcomes.1 Financial challenges have been magnified by the pandemic. According to one study, the average charge per COVID-19 patient requiring a hospital stay is $73,300 without insurance.2 A medical debt this large could cause financial ruin for many families. Unfortunately, Texas leads all 50 states in the number of uninsured individuals. One of only 12 states which have not expanded Medicaid, Texas has more than 20 percent of adults and 11 percent of children who are uninsured.3 Within the foundation’s service area, some counties have more than 30 percent of adults and 15 percent of children who are uninsured.4 The County Health Rankings and Roadmaps ranks 16 of our 23 Texas counties in the bottom quartile of the state for health outcomes, and 19 of all 23 counties rank in the lower half.
OPPORTUNITY
Many individuals are eligible for low-cost or free health insurance. For instance, most currently uninsured adults and young adults have incomes that could make them eligible for marketplace subsidies or Medicaid.5 Many of the children who lack health insurance coverage are eligible for CHIP and Medicaid, but their families are either not aware of that, or do not know how to enroll. Fortunately, many organizations work diligently to expand coverage for children, protect and invest in children’s health in the state budget, and improve outreach and enrollment systems for children and families. Likewise, other organizations work and advocate on behalf of adults to expand public coverage options and ensure that all adults are covered by health insurance regardless of income status.
MONITORING PROGRESS
To determine the success of our strategies and efforts we will:
The T.L.L. Temple Foundation works alongside rural communities to build a thriving East Texas and to alleviate poverty, creating access and opportunities for all.
©2024 TLL Temple Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
CONTACT US
Phone
(936) 634-3900
Fax
(936) 639-5199
Address
204 Champions Drive
Lufkin, Texas 75901
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