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Texas has the highest uninsured rate of children, adults, and women in the country. Reform Austin is committed to providing in-depth reporting to illuminate the critical issues and challenges Texans are facing in healthcare.
Texas is one of 14 states that refuses to expand Medicaid coverage. Almost 10 years after the passage of the Affordable Care Act, Texas still ranks last when it comes to affordability and access.
Additionally, a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act could cost 1.73 million people healthcare coverage. Texas is the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit.
Texas still ranks among the worst for maternal mortality and low overall for women’s health. One in four Texas women are uninsured. Currently, women can obtain maternity Medicaid coverage until 2 months after childbirth. Advocates have argued that the coverage length is insufficient, and to address the maternal mortality crisis, coverage should be expanded to one year. Though Medicaid expansion would have made the biggest stride in improving women’s health, the policy did not get beyond a committee hearing or House floor vote in the 86th Legislative Session.
Approximately 875,000 Texas children do not have health insurance. From 2016 to 2018, the percentage of uninsured children rose from 10.7 percent to 11.2 percent. In Texas, once a child is approved for Medicaid they are covered for six months. After the six-month period, the state requires parents to file income updates monthly to continue the coverage. If the state determines there is a problem, parents are given 10 days to respond with necessary paperwork. This has led to many children being removed from the Medicaid roles, despite still qualifying for the program.
Reform Austin covers access to healthcare, healthcare quality, mental health, public health programs, and vaccinations. We report on laws the Texas Legislature passes and the effects they have on the healthcare system, as well as the laws that fail. In addition, we report on lawmakers involved to ensure our elected leaders are working for the public good.

Texas is Making COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plans

The Texas Department of State Health Services’ Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response met in Austin on Monday to begin discussions on...

The 'Golden Rule' and Texas' battle with paid sick leave

When it comes to the issue of living wage, Texas lawmakers have a real big problem with the Golden Rule.

Texas Anti-Vaxxers Oppose COVID-19 Contact Tracing

Texans for Vaccine Choice has launched a campaign against contact tracing initiatives in Texas. The group is concerned about medical information they believe should...

State Launches Study of COVID Impact On Minorities

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission announced on Friday that it is planning to study how the coronavirus has impacted Hispanic and black...

Abbott’s News Conference Today to Update Texans on COVID-19 Response

Gov. Greg Abbott will give an update on Texas’ fight against COVID-19 at 2 p.m. today. The news conference from the Capitol will be...

Will Failing to Expand Medicaid Cause Rural Hospitals to Close?

Over the last year, the coronavirus pandemic brought many issues to light. One issue that is extremely important to all Texans is healthcare and...

Census Shows Texas Has Double The Uninsured Rate Of Nearest Neighbors And Worst Rate...

The refusal by state Republicans to accept the Medicaid expansion of the Affordable Care Act (commonly referred to as Obamacare) continues to keep the...

SCOTUS to Hear Obamacare Challenge After November Election

The Supreme Court docket released Wednesday shows the high court will take up the Texas-led challenge of the Affordable Care Act on Nov. 10,...

Linda Koop: Opposes health care coverage for Texans

Over the course of her tenure in the Legislature, State Representative Linda Koop (R-Dallas) has been a consistent force and contributor toward Texans not having health care.

Texas Nursing Homes Face Inquiry for IV Drips Done Without Doctor’s OK

Texas nursing homes are under investigation for administering intravenous vitamin drips without signed doctor’s orders, KXAN TV reported. A state review team determined nursing facilities...
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