Castro & Allred’s Intense Health Care Campaign

TL/DR –

U.S. Rep. Colin Allred (D-Dallas) is making healthcare a leading issue in the Texas U.S. Senate race, discussing challenges such as hospital closures and a growing uninsured population. Allred, who will face off against Republican U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, criticizes Cruz’s attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and remove protections for people with preexisting conditions. At a recent event in San Antonio, Allred and other Democratic leaders shared personal stories related to healthcare access and affordability, and criticized Texas GOP leaders for not expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

Colin Allred’s Focus on Health Care in Texas Senate Race

U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, a Democratic Senate candidate from Dallas, met with health care professionals in San Antonio to discuss pressing issues like the closure of local hospitals and the growing number of uninsured residents. The meeting shed light on the struggles faced by San Antonio residents following the closure of a South Side hospital and the removal of people from Medicaid rolls post-pandemic.

Allred shared his own experience of securing a facility for the Department of Veterans Affairs after the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in his district closed. The roundtable discussion also featured representatives from South Texas Allergy & Asthma Medical Professionals and the equity research nonprofit Every Texan.

Healthcare in the 2024 Election Cycle

Allred believes that health care, a topic that has historically been successful for Democrats, could offset the current focus on immigration and border security. He is now pitted against Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, known for his strong opposition to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which has gained popularity since its institution.

Allred criticized Cruz’s attempts to dismantle the ACA, especially his efforts to remove protections for people with preexisting conditions. Cruz’s campaign acknowledged that these actions, along with ads suggesting he aimed to deprive people of health care, significantly impacted his slim victory in 2018.

The Impact of Personal Experiences

At the San Antonio gathering, Allred, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, and State Rep. Josey Garcia shared personal stories about their experiences with the health care system. Allred emphasized the importance of the ACA’s provision that prevents insurers from denying coverage to people with serious illnesses.

Castro, who had cancerous tumors removed a year ago, spoke about his costly ongoing treatment and highlighted the financial barriers many face when seeking health care. He also shared his personal experience with Lanreotide, a drug that costs thousands of dollars per injection.

Despite the personal hardships and challenges faced by Texans, the state’s GOP leaders have shown little interest in joining the 41 states that have expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Garcia, the mother of twin adult sons on the autism spectrum, expressed her disappointment with this reality.

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