Quests Laboratory Testing for Low Income County Residents
Submitted for:
Jorge L. Trevino
Submitted By:
Jorge L. Trevino
Department:
Civil Legal Division
Subject:
Discussion and possible action to enter into an Agreement between Webb County, for the benefit of the Webb County Public Health Services Department, and Quest Diagnostic and Clinical Laboratories, Inc ("Quest Diagnostics") to provide authorized laboratory tests to the public through the Public Health Department and any matters incident thereto; authorizing the County Judge to execute all relevant documents. [Requested by Public Health, Account #5030-001-432063-025 (Lab/X-ray Services) and #5030-001-432063 (Medical Services)]
Background:
The Webb County Public Health Care Services Department was established to assist low-income county residents with obtaining financial coverage for their medical expenses. Webb County has a high rate of uninsured individuals; with a current projected population estimate of 274,794, thirty-one percent (31%) or approximately 85,000 residents in Webb County do not have any type of public or private health insurance that will help cover costs associated with their health care needs.
Individuals who lack health insurance coverage face many challenges when trying to access proper healthcare. These disadvantaged individuals must not only cope with the physical, mental, and/or emotional aspects of suffering from a chronic, acute, or terminal illness, they must also deal with other factors such as poverty, unemployment, homelessness, transportation, and/or addiction, which makes it even more difficult to seek and obtain proper medical care.