Texas Medicaid

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.

In a letter sent to state officials Friday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he wants state agencies to investigate the Medicaid program after the Trump administration identified potential fraud in other states. He directed the agencies to implement several additional anti-fraud measures in the program.

The U.S. Postal Service changed when mail is postmarked as it's being processed – which could cause issues with time-sensitive mail like ballots and taxes. But, advocates worry the change could also lead to a loss of coverage and access to services, especially for people with disabilities.

Texas is set to receive the largest award from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program — with federal officials awarding $1.4 billion to the state over five years. The state received millions more in funding that it asked for in its application.

Nonprofits across the country have been grappling with changes in federal spending and the cuts to departments and grants. As coordinator with other local organizations, Lubbock Area United Way has been updating partners on developments at the state and national level, and advocating for policies suited to West Texas.

Having never expanded Medicaid, Texas avoided most of the looming federal cuts other states will face. But the Affordable Care Act is a different story.

The bill is moving quickly through Congress and could reshape life for millions of Texans.

A federal judge in San Antonio has ruled that the state of Texas for decades unnecessarily institutionalized 4,500 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in nursing home facilities, denying them appropriate services that are required under federal law.

On Thursday, the U.S. House narrowly passed a sweeping bill that slashes about $3.8 trillion in taxes by scaling back social safety net programs including Medicaid and SNAP.

Katherine Wells was celebrated early during the COVID-19 pandemic. Then public health became a political litmus test.