A recent poll conducted by the Episcopal Health Foundation paints a grim picture of healthcare affordability in Texas. According to the survey, nearly half of Texans are struggling to afford medical care, and a third have delayed or skipped care altogether due to cost concerns.
While the survey highlights a significant challenge, organizations like Legacy Community Health offer innovative solutions to alleviate the burden. As one of the state’s largest Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Legacy Community Health primarily serves underserved populations, offering affordable healthcare through a comprehensive sliding-fee-scale model, expanded telehealth services, and community outreach programs.
The Defender spoke with Chinelo Nweke, senior regional director of operations at Legacy Community Health, to learn more about the healthcare affordability crisis and what local organizations like Legacy are doing to address it.
Legacy Community Health has always focused on bringing healthcare to communities that are often neglected, a mission that has become even more critical in the face of Texas’ healthcare crisis.
“We’re completely committed to providing access to all of our patients, especially underserved communities,” Nweke explained. “Much of our history started with addressing the needs of those communities that larger medical institutions often overlook. We place our clinics in areas with a demand and a need, such as the Fifth and the Third Ward.”
Legacy Community Health is tackling this by offering financial assistance programs for uninsured or underinsured individuals. Nweke explained that the organization’s eligibility department helps patients explore different programs, from Medicaid to the Healthy Texas Women program, and provides sliding-scale fees for others who don’t qualify for state or federal assistance.
One of the most concerning revelations from the Episcopal Health Foundation poll is that cost barriers prevent many Texans from seeking preventive care. Preventive care is essential for diagnosing and managing chronic conditions before they become severe. The long-term impact can be disastrous when people skip routine checkups due to financial strain.
“This is a major issue, especially in the African American community,” said Nweke. “There’s a hesitancy to go to the doctor, often due to past experiences or cultural anxieties. But preventive care is crucial. We must educate our patients on the importance of being proactive about their health.”
Their approach involves connecting patients with social workers and community partners to provide education on managing common health disparities, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Nweke highlighted their work with clinical pharmacy specialists who provide virtual consultations, helping patients manage their medications and understand key health metrics like blood pressure readings. This helps improve health outcomes and reduces long-term medical costs by preventing more serious conditions.
One of the more innovative ways Legacy has addressed the healthcare affordability crisis is by expanding telehealth services. During the pandemic, telehealth became essential for providing care to patients who could not access clinics due to transportation or financial challenges.
“About 75% of our behavioral health visits are virtual,” Nweke noted. “This has been a game-changer for patients who might struggle with transportation or have busy schedules. They can still get the care they need from the comfort of their home.”
Telehealth has also proven to be a cost-effective solution for reaching underserved populations. Virtual visits reduce the need for patients to take time off work or arrange for childcare, and for those with chronic conditions, the convenience of virtual follow-ups has been invaluable.
The Need for Policy Changes
While organizations like Legacy are doing their part, Nweke emphasized that broader policy changes are needed to address the root causes of healthcare unaffordability in Texas. The Episcopal Health Foundation poll calls for urgent state and federal action to improve access to affordable healthcare.
“FQHCs like Legacy rely on support from community partners and government entities,” said Nweke. “Our public affairs team works tirelessly to advocate for policies that benefit our patient population. Whether it’s improving Medicaid coverage or addressing the rising cost of health insurance, there’s a lot of work to be done.”
She also stressed the importance of raising awareness among government officials about the challenges faced by marginalized communities. “We’re constantly assessing how new policies will impact our patients and what role we can play in shaping those policies to better serve our communities.”
The long-term resolution will require a concerted effort from policymakers, healthcare providers, and community advocates to ensure all Texans have access to affordable, high-quality care.
Nweke considered a call to action for the community.
“We need to be proactive about our health, but the first step is to make that appointment, overcome the fear, and take control of your health. We’re committed to breaking down barriers but need the community to meet us halfway.”
