Medicaid

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.

North Texas could face delays in federal services, disrupted travel and impacts to social programs as Congress remains deadlocked over funding.

Texas saw the largest increase in the rate of uninsured children in the country between 2022 and 2024. Experts warn it will likely get worse.

Texas health officials are asking for public input for the state’s application for a new federal rural health program. People can submit their comments through Tuesday, Sept. 9.

On Thursday, the U.S. House narrowly passed a sweeping bill that slashes about $3.8 trillion in taxes by scaling back social safety net programs including Medicaid and SNAP.

The Texas House passed a $337 billion budget for the 2026-27 biennium Friday morning. This came after the chamber spent more than 15 hours debating the proposal. The bill now heads back to a conference committee between both chambers.

Unsuccessful contract negotiations between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and Southwestern Health Resources will affect Texas Health Resources and UT Southwestern facilities.

A new study about potential cuts to Medicaid and SNAP found that Texas could see its gross domestic product shrink by $7 billion.

The base wage for workers who care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is $10.60 an hour in Texas. Lawmakers are considering a raise to $12, but advocates say more is needed.

“Now that we have this coverage, what do we do to make sure women can get it?,” one health advocate said.