Healthcare

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

The Department of Homeland Security wants to eliminate guidelines around what public benefits can be considered in a "public charge" determination. Experts and advocates warn it could lead to a "chilling effect" in migrant communities.

Shanice Jordan is one of the four million Texans enrolled in an Affordable Care Act health plan. But subsidies that make plans through the federal health insurance marketplace more affordable are set to expire at the end of the year — meaning Jordan and other Texans will premiums that are more than double what they currently pay.

Austin residents shopping the Affordable Care Act marketplace are making difficult decisions about whether the plans that fit their budget can meet their medical needs.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is proposing cuts to the reimbursement rates for certain services — like ventilators and wheelchairs. Providers told a public hearing Monday the new rates could hurt medical supply companies and their patients.

Enrollment in Affordable Care Act marketplace health insurance plans begins Nov. 1. But questions about whether Congress will extend tax credits that bring down the cost of plans for many Americans linger.

Texas saw the largest increase in the rate of uninsured children in the country between 2022 and 2024. Experts warn it will likely get worse.

Governor Greg Abbott held a ceremonial bill signing on Friday in Amarillo, signing two bills regarding minors and their use of cellphones. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren reports on the signing and the policies. Covenant Health has reached an agreement with BlueCross BlueShield and will remain as an in-network provider for those with the insurance.

More than 140,000 patients could be left without in-network access to Covenant Health facilities depending on the results of negotiations between the system and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. Those with questions can call Covenant’s contracting team at (806) 725-6663. The Big 12 Conference announced the winners of its Athlete of the Year award yesterday. Our Bishop Van Buren reports on a Red Raider earning the honor for the first time ever: star softball pitcher Nijaree Canady.

The public health department lost $15.4M in expected federal grants. Now, Tarrant officials anticipate more funding cuts on the horizon.