Rural Life

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.

Last month, Gov. Greg Abbott announced a freeze on H-1B visas for public universities and state agencies — just a few months after the Trump administration increased the application fee from $5,000 to $100,000. Texas health care leaders warn changes could have a negative impact on the state's health care workforce.

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.

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.

Texas is set to receive the largest award from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program — with federal officials awarding $1.4 billion to the state over five years. The state received millions more in funding that it asked for in its application.

A council majority voted to approve all three requests by Craver Ranch developer Old Prosper Partners for amendments to the city’s 2040 comprehensive plan and mobility plan and a zoning change from rural agricultural to planned development.

A national survey found the smallest business owners are feeling less confident as they close out the year. Inflation, tariffs and shifts in consumer spending are some of the reasons why.

About 1,500 rural hospitals were eligible to convert to “Rural Emergency Hospitals” beginning in 2020. Researchers at UT Arlington want to take a closer look at the 40 hospitals that entered the program to understand whether it has improved access to care in rural communities.

Texas' application for the Rural Health Transformation program requests $200 million every year of the five-year program. The state is proposing the "Rural Texas Strong" project, which includes a range of proposals to improve health care access and quality in rural areas — such as workforce development and utilizing AI.

Rural Collin County voters strongly supported funds for an "Emergency Services District" that will help provide fire and ambulance service to unincorporated areas.

Last year, North Texas hospitals provided more than $7 billion in uncompensated care, like charity care or bad medical debt. One health leaders said if federal lawmakers don't extend a subsidy that makes federal health insurance marketplace coverage more affordable, hospitals statewide could be responsible for more than $1 billion in additional uncompensated care — which could lead to a loss of services or closures.

The FDA approved the first at-home cervical cancer screening in May. Texas is the eighth state to have access to the test as the company rolls the product out state-by-state.