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The Hill
01-08-2025
- Health
- The Hill
Number of Texans receiving out-of-state abortions quadrupled between 2021 and 2023
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texans who sought an abortion out of state more than quadrupled between 2021 and 2023 after a state law went into effect that bans the procedure in almost all cases. Data from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) shows at least 7,844 Texas residents received an abortion in a different state in 2023, up from 4,718 in 2022 and 1,712 in 2021. Still the total number of abortions for Texas residents dropped by 85 percent compared to 2021. In 2023, just 62 abortions were reported in Texas, all due to medical emergency and/or to preserve the health of the mother. In 2024, 76 abortions were performed in the state, according to the HHSC data. Texas receives reports from other states through the State and Territorial Exchange of Vital Events, a public health reporting system maintained by the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems. Reporting abortion data to the system is voluntary, and not all states participate, according to a HHSC spokesperson. That means the total number may be higher than the 7,844 reported in 2023. In fact, the Guttmacher Institute, a non-profit that tracks access to abortion, estimates the number to be closer to 35,000. The organization estimates 14,230 Texas women traveled to New Mexico for an abortion in 2023, while 6,620 went to Kansas, 4,440 went to Colorado and 3,310 went to California. An estimated 6,300 Texas women went to other states. In 2022, almost 3,000 Texans received an abortion in Kansas, according to official data from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. That constituted a 1,178 percent increase from 2021, when just 233 abortions were performed on Texas residents. Kansas has yet to report data for 2023. HHSC does not maintain data on people who travel internationally to receive an abortion. The Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade in a 6-3 decision on June 24, 2022, eliminating the nearly 50-year-old constitutional right to abortion. The ruling gave states the authority to limit or ban the procedure. A trigger law in Texas went into effect in August 2022, banning most abortions in the state. Abortion is also banned in neighboring Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma, meaning Texas women who want the procedure must travel to states like Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico.
Newsweek
26-07-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Texas Removes 1.8 Million People From Health Care Plan
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Almost 1.8 million Americans have been disenrolled from Medicaid health coverage in Texas in the last two years, according to data by KFF, a nonprofit health policy research and news organization. These Americans have lost their health insurance as part of the unwinding process happening nationwide after Medicaid coverage was expanded following the COVID pandemic. A spokesperson for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) told Newsweek it is "committed to ensuring that those qualified for benefits receive them," and worked closely with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) "throughout the public health emergency and the Medicaid unwind process." "Federal guidance required HHSC to redetermine eligibility for 6 million Medicaid clients over the course of 12 months," they added. "Redetermining eligibility within federal requirements was a massive undertaking. Throughout the unwind, HHSC met with our federal partners on a regular basis to ensure that we followed federal guidance, and we will continue to collaborate with CMS to provide eligible Texans with benefits." Why It Matters The unwinding process has resulted in significant drops in Medicaid enrollment across the U.S. in recent years. While some of those disenrolled from Medicaid may still have had access to other forms of health insurance through their employment, those left without insurance could be in a vulnerable position. Higher rates of uninsured populations in states have been associated with negative impacts on health outcomes and medical costs. File photo: doctors treat a child in a hospital. File photo: doctors treat a child in a hospital. Gerald Herbert/AP What To Know During the pandemic, some states expanded Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) while some Americans may have being encouraged to enroll for health coverage given the spread of the virus, causing nationwide enrollment levels to increase. Federal rules then meant states had to keep most Medicaid enrollees on the program even if their eligibility status changed, a requirement which expired in March 2023, allowing states to resume removing individuals from the program. Medicaid enrollment has since steadily declined, driven by both eligibility losses and procedural disenrollments. In Texas, there were 5,922,450 covered by Medicaid in March 2023, but by March 2025, that number was 4,164,694, KFF data shows. This marks a change of almost 1.8 million, a rate of decline faster than in Florida, California and New York. The number of people with Medicaid coverage is now just lower than February 2020 levels, a difference of 1 percent. Reasons for Texas' steeper drop in Medicaid enrollment could be because of the fact it, combined with Florida, New York and California, made up a significant proportion of Medicaid enrollment before the unwinding, Timothy McBride, a professor of public health at Washington University in St. Louis, told Newsweek. All four states together accounted for 36 percent of Medicaid enrollment and subsequently accounted for 31 percent of the drop in the unwinding period between 2020 and 2025, he added. This is in part because the states have large populations, but also because they have some of lowest percentages of health insurance coverage by employers or private plans, McBride said. This is due to "higher poverty rates, especially in Florida and Texas, fewer good jobs that offer health insurance, and a higher percentage of nonwhite persons, especially in Florida, Texas, and California," he said. "If they do not have private coverage they seek Medicaid," he added. For those that were able to gain health insurance through private coverage once being rolled off Medicaid, there is little concern. However, those that may remain uninsured as a result of the unwinding process "I am worried about," McBride said. "The negative outcomes could be delays in seeking needed medical care leading to worse outcomes, lack of prevention, which is especially problematic if they have chronic conditions, bad mental health and financial outcomes, and higher medical debt since they have to pay for more out of pocket," he added. What People Are Saying Timothy D. McBride, professor of public health at Washington University in St. Louis, told Newsweek: "Part of the drop is people who maintained Medicaid coverage on paper because they got it at some point during the pandemic but remained there through the PHE. Yet some may have moved along and obtained other coverage, so really were not needing the Medicaid anyway. The group we are concerned about is those who have become uninsured or who lost the coverage for procedural reasons. It appears from some work that maybe 30 percent or so of those who lost coverage may be uninsured. And a lot of people—around that number lost coverage for procedural reasons, many of them children." Laura Dague, a professor of health policy at Texas A&M University, told Newsweek: "How impactful the decreases in enrollment will be in terms of individual health depend on how aware people were of their ongoing coverage and how often they used it, and there is not much empirical evidence on this topic at the moment. A much bigger issue for Texas in my opinion will be the upcoming projected decreases in Marketplace enrollment due to decreasing subsidies; Texas has had major growth in that market in the last few years as subsidies increased." What Happens Next As the unwinding continues, more reductions in enrollment are expected in the state, and across the country. With millions already having lost health coverage, concerns remain about access to care for low-income individuals and families.
Yahoo
25-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Texas Gov. Abbott extends SNAP benefits after floods
AUSTIN (KFDX/KJTL) — Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced SNAP replacement benefits extensions following the Texas floods through August 18. 'The State of Texas continues to support Texans impacted by the recent catastrophic flooding so they can care for themselves and their families,' said Gov. Abbott. 'SNAP recipients in 26 counties now can apply for food replacement benefits through August 18. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that impacted Texans have everything they need to rebuild and recover.' | RELATED | Texoma boy's kindness mission gets boost from LEGO Masters 'During these stressful times, I am thankful we can extend support,' said HHSC Deputy Executive Commissioner of Access and Eligibility Services Molly Regan. 'Helping families have access to the food they need can bring some relief as they continue to rebuild.' Replacement benefits will be added to Lone Star Cards within two business days. | Six Flags Over Texas unveils perks for 2026 season pass SNAP recipients can request replacement food benefits by calling 2-1-1 and, after choosing a language, selecting option 7. Recipients can also download Form H1855 on the HHSC website. Completed forms should be mailed to Texas Health and Human Services Commission, P.O. Box 149027, Austin, TX, 78714-9027, or faxed to 877-447-2839. Hot food purchases with Lone Star Cards are still permitted for 33 counties through August 14. Hot foods include rotisserie chicken, grocery store deli items and other food that is hot at the point of sale. SNAP recipients do not need to take any action to receive the additional benefit. Texans impacted by any disaster can visit the HHSC Receiving Disaster Assistance webpage for more information. To find local sources, such as food or shelter, dial 2-1-1 and select option one. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Crisis support line offered for Texans impacted by floods
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Friday that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) launched the Texas Flooding Emotional Support Line. The support line was created for Texans who were impacted by recent catastrophic floods, according to Abbott's press office. 'The State of Texas continues working to ensure that Texans hardest hit by these devastating floods have the resources and support they need, and that includes mental health support,' said Governor Abbott. 'This new statewide crisis support line will ensure survivors, families, and first responders have access to emotional support and crisis counseling as they work to heal and recover. The crisis support line is available 24/7 and provides professional crisis counseling at no cost by calling 833-812-2480. All calls are confidential and answered by specially trained professionals to work with disaster survivors, according to the press release. 'The physical and emotional effects from a natural disaster are profound, and can have lasting effects on hearts, minds and communities,' said Michelle Alletto, HHSC chief program and services officer. 'Dedicated mental health support is available to help our fellow Texans cope with loss, rebuild and heal.' Abbott's press office said that through the crisis counseling, Texans can receive disaster recovery options and referrals to other programs. To learn more about the mental health resources available to Texans, visit the Disaster Behavioral Health Services website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Does your insurance cover flooding? How to file a claim after devastating Texas floods
As of Monday, officials report that at least 81 people have lost their lives due to the flash floods that swept through Central Texas. Among the victims are at least 28 children from Kerr County. With people still unaccounted for, Texas Governor Greg Abbott warned that flash flooding remains a serious threat across parts of Texas, as additional rainfall is expected in several regions Monday. Authorities have urged residents of Hunt, a community in Kerr County, to seek higher ground this afternoon due to the risk of further flooding. On Sunday, President Trump announced that he signed a "Major Disaster Declaration' for relief for Kerr County in Texas, as the region deals with heavy rains and extreme flooding that have killed dozens. As residents come to terms with the aftermath of the flooding, here's what to know about relief and insurance claims: In response to the devastating floods that struck Central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend, various relief options are available to assist affected individuals and communities. Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC): HHSC coordinates efforts to provide information and help to Texans during disasters. This includes assistance with food benefits (such as SNAP), health care services, and housing support. More information is available at HHSC Disaster Assistance. Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM): TDEM supports plans and programs to help prevent or lessen the impact of emergencies and disasters. They provide assistance to individuals, communities, and businesses affected by disasters. More information can be found at Texas Flood Recovery. Kerr County Flood Relief Fund: Operated by The Community Foundation, this fund supports local rescue and recovery efforts in affected towns like Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort. Central Texas Small Business Relief Fund: Launched by the Maestro Entrepreneur Center, this fund supports businesses affected by recent flooding in the Hill Country area. It aims to assist with urgent repairs, replacement of damaged equipment and supplies, and day-to-day operational expenses necessary for reopening. Texas Flood Information Clearinghouse: State agencies administer flood financial assistance programs, providing a "one-stop-shop" for information on flood mitigation funding opportunities for Texas' communities. Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA): Provides disaster relief resources for individuals and families, including housing assistance and information on available programs. If you have flood insurance — either through your home insurance provider or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) — it's crucial to file a claim promptly. Typically, claims must be submitted within 60 days of the flooding event. If you're having trouble contacting your insurer, the Texas Department of Insurance recommends calling 1-800-252-3439 for help. Even without insurance, you may still be eligible for federal disaster assistance. All impacted residents are urged to thoroughly document their property damage using photos and videos. While it's important to begin cleanup, the state recommends holding off on discarding damaged items until you've consulted with your insurance adjuster. It's also important to note that FEMA aid is generally only available in areas formally designated as disaster zones by the president. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the Texas Hill Country, including areas like Kerrville and San Antonio, due to ongoing heavy rainfall. Forecasts predict additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 10 inches. This excessive rainfall poses a risk of flash flooding in low-lying regions, rivers, creeks, and low water crossings. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Does your insurance cover Texas flooding? How to file a claim
