Medicaid

There are more than 2 million uninsured adults in states that didn't expand Medicaid. Congressional Democrats have a plan to cover them — if they can find money for it in the massive spending bill.

Hundreds of organizations are asking Congress to extend Medicaid in the current budget reconciliation bill being negotiated in Washington.

Texas es uno de los 12 estados que se han resistido a expandir Medicaid a más personas de bajos ingresos. Aquí, alrededor del 41% de padres latinos y casi el 18% de niños latinos no tienen seguro médico, según el informe.

Researchers say coverage disparities are growing faster and getting wider in states that have not expanded 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.