The Task Force on Access to Health Care in Texas was a joint effort among 10 of the major academic health institutions in the state whose aim was to confront the challenges facing the underserved in Texas.  The goals of the Task Force were:

• to assess the current magnitude of the problem of the uninsured and underinsured in Texas, including populations at  risk, the cost to providers, local and state governments, and impacts upon health;
• to evaluate the effects upon other aspects of society, including social and economic impact
• to identify the trends and the magnitude, scope and direction of the problem of medically indigent care for the state
• to examine alternative strategies which might be employed to address the problems of uninsured and underinsured in Texas.

 
Neal F. Lane Ph.D., Chair 

This report was based on the analyses of experts in the field as well as primary information gathering by the staff of the Institute for Health Policy. An evidence-based approach was used to examine intervention strategies for Texas, with special attention to costs and benefits.

 
Kenneth I. Shine M.D.