Access is measured by identifying barriers that might prevent the delivery of care such as the inability to obtain insurance coverage, having to travel long distances to health care centers and lack of sufficient facilities and/or healthcare professionals. Access to healthcare is how easy or difficult it may be to receive the care. If rates or out-of-pocket expenses are high, your cost of living will increase. Affordability is generally measured by the rates set for insurance coverage in a state, as well as the out-of-pocket expenses that need to be paid by you when receiving the care. The ability to afford healthcare as well as the ability to access care are key indicators of how much you will be paying for this important resource if you move to another state.
Healthcare costs make up a significant part of the cost of living.
Texas is ranked number 51 out of all states in overall healthcare access and affordability.