Texas Health and Human Services Commission

The Texas Supreme Court won't revive Dallas County's lawsuit arguing the state isn't transferring mentally ill detainees to hospitals fast enough, making taxpayers foot the bill.

State data shows more than 40,000 pregnant Texans waited more than a month for the state to process their Medicaid applications — with more than half waiting more than 60 days. An advocacy group said delays in applications getting processed can combine with issues getting appointments and can lead to delayed prenatal care.

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.

Texas is in the process of planning for the future of its state hospitals. Some advocates and families said Texas needs to improve capacity and access as demand for services grows.

Texas has a 91% Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, accuracy rate — which could mean the state will be responsible for more than $700 million in benefits costs. If Texas has to cover part of the benefits costs, it would be the first time since the program started in the 1960s.

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.

Starting April 1, Texans won't be able to use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits to purchase "candy or sweetened drinks." Texas retailers and nonprofits have spent month preparing for the new restrictions — but some recipients may not know until they're checking out at the store.

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.

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.