Briana Martin, MSPE
Research & Evaluation Associate
In 2018, EHF began conducting annual statewide polls to gauge Texans’ opinions of health and health policy issues. Over the years, the poll results have provided a critical perspective on state budget priorities, views about Medicaid expansion, and many other opinions about a variety of health and health care topics and concerns.
After five years of polling, EHF has accumulated enough data to analyze certain trends and themes that are consistently important for Texans.
In partnership with Harvard School of Public Health, EHF conducted a longitudinal analysis of the opinions and views of Texans. Longitudinal analyses are important when looking beyond a single moment of time and enable us to recognize opinion shifts or salient concerns over time. With this information, we can continue to elevate the voices of Texans.
Below are a few select longitudinal observations from EHF’s statewide polls. Access the full report here.
Women and Black, non-Hispanic Texans most often view health policy issues as Top Priority
Texas continues to have the highest uninsured rate in the U.S. and the most uninsured residents than any other state. Latest estimates show 20.5% of the nonelderly population did not have health insurance coverage in 2021. So, it is no surprise that health care access is a salient concern for many Texans. Our polls indicate that health insurance coverage and cost are leading contributing factors to the health care access concerns.
The four health priorities listed below received the most support over time by Women and Black, non-Hispanic Texans. It is important to note that these priorities focus on health care access, which many of our polls have revealed is a challenge for many Texans.
Texans who view Lowering the Amount Individuals Pay for Health Care as a Top Priority
Texans who view Increasing Access to Health Insurance as a Top Priority
Texans who view Lowering the Cost of Prescription Drugs as a Top Priority
Texans who view Expanding Medicaid to Cover More Low-income Texans as a Top Priority
Women’s health remains important to Texans
In 2023, the Texas Legislature passed HB 1575 – an important law requiring Texas Medicaid to develop a standardized screening tool to help determine the non-medical health needs of pregnant Texans and their babies and allows community health workers and doulas to be reimbursed by Medicaid for their work to address those important needs.
With the passing of this groundbreaking bill, state lawmakers have proven that maternal health is an important priority in Texas. Just as EHF continues to work and address the ongoing maternal health crisis, Texans have shown consistent support for maternal mortality.
Support for Access to Family Planning and Contraception and Reducing Maternal Mortality as a Top Priority for Texans, 2018 — 2022
EHF’s annual polls help to guide the foundation’s work. We continue to believe that it’s important to incorporate the voices of Texans on health and health policy issues with the hope of integrating their opinions in decision-making conversations at state and local levels.
