In 2008, Texas fell from 37th to 46th on the United Health Foundation's ranking of the states based on healthcare statistics. According to the Houston Chronicle, Texas is among the states that are best prepared to respond to a public health emergency, but this is the same state that has the highest percentage of residents surviving with no Health Insurance in Texas.

Ironically, literally hundreds of Texas Health Insurance Plans are available, including plans from Aetna, Assurant, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Celtic, Humana, and United Healthcare. The largest health insurance providers in Texas have also added mail delivery of prescription medications to make it easier for members to obtain many of the most common maintenance medications for conditions like diabetes and heart problems. Aetna, Anthem, and Humana are providing these mail-order prescriptions.

A Critical Shortage of Nurses in Texas Is Met with New Nursing Programs

In addition to a lack of Health Insurance for Texas residents, a critical shortage of nurses has been a problem. This nursing shortage is being challenged in South Texas with plans to graduate more nurses at all educational levels.

The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio plans to transform nursing education thanks to the largest donation that their School of Nursing has received in its 40-year history. Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Inc. gave $3.9 million to fund new nursing education.

A co-owner in Methodist Healthcare System, Methodist Healthcare Ministries is the largest faith-based, not-for-profit, private funding source for health care services to low-income families, and those without health insurance in Southern Texas.

Hiring and supporting qualified nursing faculty had been a problem at the university since many faculty members were retiring, and state dollars failed to cover the university's expenses. The university plans to use $2.7 million of the donation for faculty and curriculum specialists, and to teach three new nursing degree programs.

One such program will be an accelerated bachelor's degree in nursing for students who currently have a bachelor's degree in a different field. This program starts in May of this year, and has 70 students. A second program, an accelerated online master's degree for nurses with an associate's degree in nursing, begins next January in 2011 with 46 students. That same month, the university is also starting a doctorate in nursing practice with 10 students.

When fully implemented, these new programs will help the school admit an additional 20 traditional undergraduate students, 70 accelerated undergraduate students, 46 additional master's students, and 10 doctoral students.

New Hospital Opens in Dallas Area

The recent opening of Methodist McKinney Hospital exemplifies the need for nurses in Texas. Methodist McKinney Hospital is a 65,000-square-foot project in the Dallas area. The new hospital offers comprehensive diagnostic imaging with CT and MRI services, six operating rooms, and 15 private patient rooms.

The hospital will also offer a wide range of physician specialties, such as general surgery, gynecology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, otolaryngology, pain management, and primary care. Within a year, the division also expects to begin taking patients at another $60 million hospital in the Dallas-area.

Health Insurance for Texas Residents Needed to Benefit From New Hospital

Health Insurance Quotes for Texas can be found online along with contact numbers to reach expert advisors who can answer questions about how the available plans fit individual needs. Short-term and student health plans are available online, too, for temporary situations.

------

By Wiley Long - President, eTXHealthinsurance.com - Health Insurance Advisors in Texas - Offering online information on health insurance plans in Texas, instant quotes on Texas Health Insurance plans, and personal assistance for all your Texas Health Insurance needs.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/http://wileylong.articlealley.com/health-insurance-in-texas-is-among-nations-critical-shortages-1480220.html

Below I have provided eight questions everyone should ask a Houston auto insurance before placing their insurance within their agency. This should help you find the right agent for your Houston auto insurance, Texas.

Question #1: Is your agent a direct writer or a Texas independent insurance agent?

Direct Writers

Texas auto insurance agents who are employees of a direct insurance company are only allowed to sale through that particular company.

Texas insurance agency.

An independent insurance agent is able to sell through multiple carriers. This gives them the ability to shop you insurance through many companies to find the best policy that fits your insurance needs.
An Independent Agency does not work for a specific insurance company; they work for you! They work on your side when you have a loss and follow through to see that you get fair, prompt payment.

Question #2: What you should ask your agent about their Texas auto insurance experience?

How long has your agent been selling auto insurance in Houston, Texas?
How long has your agent been writing with this insurance company?
What is your agent's relationship with this company
How efficient is their claims department

Question #3: What you should ask your agent about the claims process

What happens if you need to file a claim?
Will the agent handle it or just give you an 800 number?
What will the agent do if you are being avoided by the claims department?
What will your agent do if the company is not performing well?

Question #4: You should ask your agent about the auto company's status and reputation.

Is this Texas car insurance company standard or non - standard?

What is this companies rating?

If the company has an AM Best score between a B - A+ this is a solid company.
If they have a lower rating than B or no rating at all you need to find out why. Is this a standard company with the State Of Texas or a county mutual insurance company? Ask for the companies rating and if the company is not rated then why? Also ask: How big is your book of business with this insurance carrier?

Question #5: You should ask your agent if any of your current clients have had trouble with this insurance company.

There is not a perfect insurance company but there are some far more superior than others. These questions can help you get an idea of the company's customer service.

Have there been claims that took too long to pay?
Does the company have a 24-hour 'live' claims service?
Is this insurance carrier a standard company?

Question #6: Does the company offer a full year policy or just a six month policy?

By purchasing a full year policy you will not have to worry about a premium increase after only six months. This can save some real money if you get in an accident in the middle of your policy period.

Question #7: You should ask your agent about different payment methods and discounts for setting up automatic draft.

You can pay by check, cash, MasterCard, Visa Amex(some carriers), electronic check, or automatic deduction through your checking account or credit card.
Will the company give a discount if you bank draft? Some companies will give you a discount for allowing them to draft the monthly premium on the date the insured chooses

Question #8: What additional discounts are available?

Texas Auto and Home insurance discount.
includes condos, apartments, rental homes etc.

Ask your agent about all the available discounts.

Is there a good driver's discount?
Is there a good student discount?
Is there a multiple car discount?
Is there discounts for special alarms?
Is there a driver training discount?
Is there a student away at school without the vehicle discount

At Insurance Over Texas, we take a personal interest in our customers. We like to share information that comes to help you protect yourself and your family from financial loss. If you have any questions, regarding this information or your current insurance coverage, please do not hesitate to give me a call, shoot me an Email, or contact us.