Medicaid

Democratic Congressman Lloyd Doggett of Austin said he hopes local efforts will inspire Texas lawmakers to expand coverage to more low-income Texans.

The bill would let counties and cities apply to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for funds that were declined by their states.

Currently new moms are covered for only 60 days. Starting Sept. 1, they will have coverage for up to six months after they give birth.

Advocates thought health care would be a top priority for the Legislature during a pandemic. For the most part it wasn't.

House Bill 133 had strong bipartisan support throughout the session, but was taken off the Senate calendar shortly before a final deadline approached Wednesday night.

An expanded Medicaid program would have likely meant coverage for over 1 million uninsured Texans and help for a struggling rural hospital system.

El acuerdo, que fue acelerado durante los últimos días de la administración Trump, se saltó el período de notificación pública. Ahora, las partes interesadas tienen la oportunidad de dar su opinión sobre la aplicación.

The deal, which was fast-tracked during the waning days of the Trump administration, skipped the public notice period. Now, stakeholders will have a chance to weigh in on the application.

Texas could save about $5 billion over two years if state leaders decide to expand the program.

A Texas judge raised concerns about the state's motives but ultimately said the federal courts should deal with the matter.