health care

Open enrollment for the federal health insurance marketplace begins next month, even as federal lawmakers remain at a standstill over a push to extend the enhanced premium tax credits. Advocates warn uncertainty and confusion around policy changes could affect millions of Texans who depend on the Marketplace for coverage.

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.

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.

Texas’ new public education law, Senate Bill 12, requires parental permission before any physical or mental health care can be rendered to a student. As a result, parents now worry about their children, and nurses are worried about breaking the law.

A vacant Dallas hospital that was supposed to provide wrap around services for people experiencing homelessness was recently listed for sale.

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.

Since the 1960s, Texas has screened newborns for a variety of rare diseases — like sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis. And that list of conditions continues to grow longer. But, even with a diagnosis, families still face obstacles when it comes to receiving care.

State Attorney General Ken Paxton is accusing the Texas Medical Association of undermining new federal vaccine guidelines after the group included additional organizations in its list of resources for doctors.

Government shutdowns lasting more than a few days were relatively rare — until recently. The 2018-2019 shutdown was the longest in U.S. history, stretching on for five weeks.

Dallas County has received more federal support to address racial and ethnic disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. Dallas County Health and Human Services will have more than $300,000 in additional funding for its Healthy Start program.

The largest community mental health provider in North Texas unveiled its new $96 million campus in Dallas' Hillside neighborhood. The Mental Health and Disability Innovation Center opens to the public next month.