Texas health

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.

The board reprimanded Dr. Mary Bowden last year after she prescribed ivermectin to a patient at a Fort Worth hospital during the height of the pandemic.

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.

As a part of a yearlong study, Texas county jails are collecting data about pregnant inmates' prenatal care, mental health indicators, pregnancy outcomes and more.

Last year, Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed funding for a summer food assistance program despite Texas's high rates of food insecurity, citing concerns over matching federal funds. Advocates want the state to reconsider, highlighting concerns about how food insecurity rates are expected to increase when students are on summer break.

Many who enrolled in Affordable Care Act health plans are paying steeper premiums this year. That means cutting back in other areas.

Among other things, the Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee is tasked with developing new dietary and nutrition guidelines and new educational requirements. The committee has less than a year to produce a report that could effect all levels of education — including Texas medical schools.

As President Trump marks one year back in office, his EPA has proposed rolling back key air and climate protections, which experts say has already begun to strain Texas's air quality and public health.

About 40% of patients in Texas state hospitals have been admitted for more than a year, according to state data shared Wednesday. Long stays can mean people have to wait longer for mental and behavioral health services.

The Jan. 3 snapshot, though incomplete, indicates a stabler marketplace and less coverage loss than many experts and insurers feared.