Most Congresspeople in Districts with Highest Uninsurance Rates Support Reform

The 10 congressional districts with relatively high uninsured rates include areas with Hispanic majorities that surveys have shown had higher than normal uninsured populations, according to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index Data, released in 2009. The districts also include large numbers of uninsured illegal immigrants as well as varying Medicaid restrictions.

"The 28th District of Texas faces unique healthcare challenges," said Cuellar. "The district has a large number of residents who live in medically underserved minority and rural communities. Our communities also have a large number of children who are uninsured or underinsured."

In California, Roybal-Allard praised the healthcare reform effort, noting that in her Los Angeles area district, the "average annual household income is less than $36,000 and where 40% of my candidate constituents are currently uninsured. This bill will provide access to healthcare for more than 240,000 more people." (Roybal-Allard's office listed the rate at 40% uninsured; Census figures pegged the figure at 38%.)

Jackson Lee said she regarded "healthcare as one of the most pressing issues facing this country and the world." She did not mention her Houston area district's uninsured rate—at 36%—in her statement. There was no comment from her office.

As far as Green is concerned, something needs to be done in Washington to help districts like his.

"I have a blue-collar district," Green says. "It has never been a wealthy area." The problems associated with his district is an example as to why health reform is needed, he adds.