Morris County

Low Income Primary Care Access

Summary of Information:

Low Income Population: 6,042 (at or below 200% FPL, 1998)

Total practicing primary care physicians: 3

Regular full time equivalency: 2.8

Full time equivalents serving the low-income population: .9

Ratio of low-income population to low-income FTE: 6,713:1

Considered a shortage of providers: Yes. Morris County is currently

designated as a Primary Care HPSA.

Physicians accepting new patients: 66%

Physicians accepting new patients who have Medicaid coverage: 66%

Physicians who can provide interpretation for non-English speaking patients: 100%

Languages interpreted: Spanish

What are the barriers to health care for people in your county?

“None.”

“Not enough physicians.”

Are there additional barriers for the low-income population?

“No.”

“Not enough programs to assist in medication acquisition. The cost for some medications is so high! Transportation is another barrier.”

Community Input:

County residents must travel for emergency care, acute care, and women’s services—none are available within Morris County. There is a high percentage of low-income, minority populations and a high rate of uninsured and underinsured persons. Transportation is a big barrier to care.

Prepared by Community Health Provider Resources, Texas Department of Health, as part of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation East Texas Rural Access Program; Spring 2001