"We're Facing a Critical Deadline": Barry Corbin Issues Call to Action to Help Save Cook Children's Health Plan

Barry Corbin is an Emmy-award-winning actor, Fort Worth resident and grandfather of a Cook Children’s patient.

Corbin and his grandson, Jordan Walker Ross, have experienced Cook Children’s care and kindness first-hand as Ross’ childhood was filled with regular visits to the medical center in Fort Worth.

Like many of the characters he’s played on stage, television and film, Corbin was a stalwart presence at his grandson’s side. He’d often sit outside Jordan’s hospital room and read the newspaper. Far enough to stay out of the way but close enough to keep watch over Jordan and his mom.

Because of its impact on his family, Corbin holds Cook Children's close to his heart. He is issuing an urgent call to action to our elected officials in Austin to help save Cook Children’s Health Plan. HIs full message is below:

“Hi, I'm Barry Corbin. You might know me from the screen, but my most cherished role is being a grandfather to Jordan. Cook Children's was a lifeline for him, and their care meant the world to our family, just like it does for so many in Texas.

That's why I'm speaking directly to our lawmakers in Austin. We're facing a critical deadline: June 2nd. Unless you act, 1.8 million Texans, including 125,000 North Texas children relying on Cook Children's Health Plan – kids with complex needs, even those on ventilators and in wheelchairs – could lose access to their trusted doctors.

This is about our children and our communities and giving families the option to stay with a trusted health plan that has proven health and quality outcomes and high member, family and physician satisfaction. For over 107 years, non-profits like Cook Children's have reinvested in Texas, over $200 million annually in their case. However, the state's consideration of multi-billion dollar Medicaid contracts for numerous out-of-state, for-profit insurers threatens local families. This move, driven by shareholder interests, would force vulnerable families and children to switch plans, causing harmful disruption.

Lawmakers, your urgent legislative action is needed. We risk losing local jobs and sending Texans’ tax dollars out of state. Please remember the crucial role of these community health plans and act now to protect our children before time runs out.”

Fort Worth, Texas Magazine also picked up this story and had this to share with their readers: “Barry Corbin Urges Action to Save Cook Children's Health Plan: The Fort Worth actor and grandfather is making a heartfelt plea to lawmakers as the future of Cook Children’s Health Plan hangs in the balance.”  Read more here.