Healthcare is crucial, no doubt about it. Furthermore, healthcare for moms is of even more importance because moms are the primary source of care for their children. Therefore, maternal health is vital to society. Whether or not moms have appropriate access to health care can have a significant impact on an entire community.
Many Texas women have lost Medicaid coverage after the end of continuous Medicaid coverage that was allowed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic public health emergency. Half a million Texans have lost coverage as of April 2023, many of these being moms who had continued coverage.
If you find yourself in this struggle, Mama, you have options for healthcare. Some of these are:
Marketplace Coverage (Obamacare)
You may be able to get low-cost, quality health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, a service operated by the federal government that helps people shop for and enroll in health insurance. You may fill out an application here or via a local health insurance agency.
Community Healthcare Centers
You can also get seen by a doctor through a community healthcare center. These income-based clinics offer low-income patients and those without insurance a wide array of services ranging from free to sliding-scale services. The income-based clinics in El Paso are:
- Project Vida
- Centro San Vicente
- Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe
- El Paso Baptist Clinic
- Texas Tech
- University Medical Center (UMC)
Direct Primary Care
There are also doctor’s offices that have their own healthcare plans. These are often referred to as ‘Direct Primary Care’ clinics. Altogether, you pay a monthly membership to the clinic and then will have a copay for every doctor visit (works like a subscription). You may want to start by asking your current Primary Care Physician (PCP) if they have this plan available. Additionally, you can look through medical search engines to find one near you.
Local Immunization Clinics
Another healthcare option (if you decide to vaccinate, of course) is local immunization clinics. These clinics offer a variety of vaccines at a low cost or for free for both children and adults. The City of El Paso website has a ton of information, including a clinic schedule. You can find it here.
For the Pregnant Mamas
There are various pregnancy centers around El Paso that offer free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, some of these are:
- Westside Pregnancy Center
- Guiding Star Southwest
- Pregnancy and Fatherhood Solutions
- Las Palmas Del Sol Teen Centers
- UMC Teen Centers
Where do I start?
The first step is looking into every option and finding the best fit for your family as well as the location(s) that would accommodate you before applying to any healthcare option. There are different doctors depending on what you choose, so you may want to look into the facilities to find the best doctor for you or a pediatrician for your babies. The sooner you decide, the faster it is to get healthcare. Keep in mind that you may have to make appointments if an in-person application is required, so be proactive and don’t wait until you get sick to seek financial assistance for healthcare.
» » » » » » RELATED READ: Choosing a Pediatrician for Baby: 6 Things to Consider « « « « « «
Paperwork You Will Likely Need
Depending on the healthcare option you apply for, there may be certain items required of you (best to be prepared!). For example, proofs of:
- Citizenship: Driver’s License, Social Security, or Passport.
- Income: Check Stub, W-2, or Letter of Employment.
- Address: Utility Bill or Lease Letters are examples.
Healthcare is essential for a mama to thrive. Don’t forget to schedule medical checkups to keep up with your health, too. Oftentimes, (ahem–guilty!) we wait until we are super sick before we seek help and that is a BIG no-no! As you can see, there are many options if you have lost healthcare coverage. My advice: Once you find your best healthcare option, set up an appointment for your yearly pap and doctor check-up/labs.
Stay Healthy, Mama!
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of El Paso Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.
