health care

The money helps hospitals pay for health care for uninsured people in Texas, which has more residents without coverage than any other state.

It can be a lifeline for transgender youth, especially those struggling with their mental health and thoughts of suicide.

Last month, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directed the state’s child welfare agency to investigate family and medical providers who help young transgender youth receive gender-affirming care. The move immediately attracted a legal challenge and condemnation across the country from LGBTQ+ advocates. They say the state policy is part of a years-long campaign against trans youth in Texas — and it’s inspired one young Texan to speak out.

A state judge’s ruling does not stop the agency from opening investigations into other families in similar situations.

"It’s a terrifying prospect to think that somebody is going to come knock on your door and accuse you of child abuse. When all you're really doing is putting all the work in, talking to the experts and listening and trying to make the best decisions."

An attorney general’s opinion equating some medical care for transgender youth to child abuse has led to a growing list of local officials who condemn the interpretation as little more than political theatre.

At least 375 clients paid Shawn Parcells more than $1.1 million in fees between May 2016 and May 2019, according to the federal indictment.

The previous record was set in 2016, when 1.3 million Texans signed up for health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act during open enrollment.

Health care spending is growing a lot faster than inflation and per-capita income. But it's not because we're getting tons more care. It's because prices rise so fast.

Texas’s primary care doctor shortage has taken a sharp turn for the worse during the pandemic, and one rural family doctor is pleading with state lawmakers to do something about it.