Medicaid

Texans with disabilities can wait almost two decades for certain Medicaid programs. During a House Human Services Committee public hearing Tuesday, advocates and some state lawmakers said they worry what long wait times mean for the nearly 200,000 Texans on "interest lists" for services.

A new report from the Commonwealth Fund found Texas has worse racial and ethnic health disparities than other states in the Southwest.

In an eight-hour committee hearing focused on fraud in social services programs, Texas lawmakers heard updates on how state agencies are responding to calls for stronger anti-fraud measures in programs like Medicaid and the Child Care Services program. The Wednesday hearing of the Senate Health and Human Services committee also included more than 50 Texans sharing concerns with state policymakers.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office said has launched investigations into "dozens" of Medicaid providers for alleged fraud — based on data released by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. In a statement released Tuesday, Paxton's office did not specify which providers, or how many, would be investigated.

A proposed rule would allow some children to qualify for the Medically Dependent Children Program — a Medicaid program that offers home- and community-based services to children with complex medical needs — without needing a nursing facility stay. But, advocates said the language is too “narrow" and could hinder providers.

People over the age of 65 are the fastest growing age group in the state — which could mean a greater need for services like hospice and palliative care. A new partnership between two nonprofits could expand services in North Texas.

Texas is leading a group of states that claim part of the Americans with Disabilities Act is unconstitutional, which disability advocates warn could lead more people into institutional care settings. Advocates said they want to put pressure on state policymakers to withdraw from the lawsuit.

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.