health care

Texas Medicaid is facing calls for stronger anti-fraud measures. The state Medicaid director said her office is taking steps to address potential fraud, but isn't responsible for investigations.

Texas Supreme Court justices appeared skeptical that a woman who regrets her gender transition can't sue her therapist.

Texas proposed increases to Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain ambulance services. During a public rate hearing, providers said the higher rates could help maintain access to critical services, especially in rural areas.

A majority of Texas' uninsured children are Latino, according to new analysis from the nation's largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. The report also found most uninsured children are eligible for public insurance or financial assistance through the federal health insurance marketplace.

Anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation and policy changes have left queer and transgender Texans to navigate a changing political and social landscape. Despite growing fear and concerns, some drag queens want to focus on advocating for queer joy and health. Performers said the role of an annual drag pageant in North Texas is becoming more important.

Just one year after the worst measles outbreak in the country began in West Texas, public health officials said the U.S. could lose its measles elimination status. Public health leaders from North Texas and Lubbock warn declining vaccination rates could increase risk of future measles outbreaks.

About 40% of patients in Texas state hospitals have been admitted for more than a year, according to state data shared Wednesday. Long stays can mean people have to wait longer for mental and behavioral health services.

The Department of Homeland Security wants to eliminate guidelines around what public benefits can be considered in a "public charge" determination. Experts and advocates warn it could lead to a "chilling effect" in migrant communities.

The U.S. Postal Service changed when mail is postmarked as it's being processed – which could cause issues with time-sensitive mail like ballots and taxes. But, advocates worry the change could also lead to a loss of coverage and access to services, especially for people with disabilities.

There's a nationwide shortage of nurses who can provide sexual assault care. A recent UT Arlington study found rural nurses encounter unique challenges when trying to access training to fill that gap.

Ascension Texas and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas faced an end-of-year deadline to agree on a contract or risk some patients losing in-network care at Ascension facilities, including many in the Austin area.

Public health officials warn law enforcement and border patrol activity are discouraging people from getting vaccines and other types of preventive health care. A North Texas health leader was among the officials who highlighted the issue.