The lack of mental health facilities in Medicare deepens throughout Texas, leaving patients with limited access to essential healthcare. Depressive disorders are common in patients 65 and older.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) is one of the eight offices regarding minority health within the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. These offices work together to improve the health of people that come from many backgrounds and populations. Those who are served by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have achieved great health as they work to provide better access to health care quality.

Many counties throughout Texas are dealing with high rates of depressive disorders in Medicare. Hardeman County has the most mental health facilities accepting Medicare per 1k with medium percent rate for depressive disorders. Kenedy County has the highest depressive disorders with no mental health facilities in the area.

Dr. Ny'Nika McFadden, assistant professor TXST Department of Health & Human Performance, says that access to healthcare has become a lot harder, especially with those who don’t have the best quality of life. Mental health in Medicare patients is overlooked compared to those in Medicaid.

“We know that mental health resources are important for this population to have as far as difficulty receiving medical supplies” said Dr. McFadden.

“Then as far as healthcare access and quality. So if you don't have insurance, if you don't routinely go to the doctor right, this is going to prevent you from being able to catch your disease early or assuming you have” said Dr. McFadden.

Without access to healthcare delaying checkups can lead to untreated illnesses getting worse. Having access to these facilities would help the population prevent many accidents. Depression is not commonly talked about with Medicare patients. There are many causes for depression in those who are 65 and older, but if untreated it could lead to tragedies.