A new study shows that Hispanics would benefit the most from expanding Medicaid in Texas.
The non-partisan Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation examined who was eligible for coverage if the state expanded the health care program for the poor. The group released its results Tuesday.
Using U.S. Census and other independent data, the foundation determined that 38 percent of Hispanics in Texas don't have health insurance. That is the highest rate of any ethnic group.
The foundation also found that 58 percent of the uninsured would qualify for Medicaid, if the governor and Legislature agreed to expand it under the federal health care law.
Gov. Rick Perry and other Republican leaders rejected Medicaid expansion on Tuesday calling it too costly. Democrats called for Texas to participate in the program.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.