Medicaid

The Texas Legislature at least partially implemented less than a third of recommendations from the state’s 2024 Children’s Behavioral Health Strategic Plan, according to a recent report. Many of the recommendations focus on increasing access to services that keep children in their homes or communities instead of institutional settings.

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 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.

In a letter sent to state officials Friday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he wants state agencies to investigate the Medicaid program after the Trump administration identified potential fraud in other states. He directed the agencies to implement several additional anti-fraud measures in the program.

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.

Muth left the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services in July.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is proposing cuts to the reimbursement rates for certain services — like ventilators and wheelchairs. Providers told a public hearing Monday the new rates could hurt medical supply companies and their patients.

Several major health agencies in Texas are under review by the state's sunset commission — including the Department of State Health Services and Health and Human Services Commission. Advocates said this cycle could have a significant impact on services and access moving forward.

As Texas develops its application for federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding, rural hospital leaders say stabilizing their facilities should be a top priority. "Without it, all the planning in the world will not matter because there will be no hospital left to transform," one said.

With the federal government shutdown entering its second week, some health leaders in North Texas are worried a prolonged shutdown could negatively effect their patients and services.