Texans living outside of city limits may have an even harder time getting access to emergency treatment.
While 27 counties lack even a single doctor, at least 15 hospitals have closed in Texas since 2013. More of the state's 163 rural hospitals could be at risk if cuts are made to public healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
To view interactive maps of areas affected, click here.
Guests:
- Billie Bell, vice president of operations at Medina Regional Hospital
- Bill Hanna, reporter for The Fort Worth Star-Telegram
- Dr. Steven Berk, executive vice president, provost, & dean of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
- David Pearson, CEO & president of the Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals (TORCH)