The latest health and human services commission news from The Texas Tribune.
State health officials say they have enough workers to meet current needs, but some local health departments are scrambling to keep up. With 2,800 workers, Texas is still short of the governor's goal to have 4,000 people contact tracing. Full Story
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Months into the pandemic, demand for coronavirus tests is soaring. Texans report problems with almost every facet of the testing process, starting with the glitching websites and unanswered phone lines used to schedule appointments, and extending to long lags before test results come back. Full Story
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Texas isn't properly protecting the children in foster care, according to federal court monitors examining a system that's been dangerous to kids — in the view of the courts — for at least the last decade. Full Story
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Two independent experts appointed to scrutinize the system described “a disjointed and dangerous child protection system ... where harm to children is at times overlooked, ignored or forgotten.” Full Story
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Acting Executive Commissioner Phil Wilson chose not to accept salary and benefits for a temporary position leading one of Texas’ largest and most high-profile agencies. Instead, he continues to earn $636,694 from the Lower Colorado River Authority, more than double what the previous health commissioner made. Full Story
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The test kits for residents of state supported living centers have been ordered and are on their way. The agency is “working on a broader plan to get the test kits for staff," a state official said. Full Story
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The facilities are still only testing residents and patients who are symptomatic or were potentially exposed to the virus, despite concerns raised by employees and family members about outbreaks. Full Story
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Congress directed most insurance companies to cover test costs for insured patients in March, and has promised to reimburse providers for testing those who are uninsured. But experts say there are gaps in the protection that can leave patients surprised with bills. Full Story
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Citing a state medical privacy law, Texas is refusing to release the names of long-term care facilities where residents have died from COVID-19, even as those case numbers soar and families plead for information. Full Story
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Residents' families, restricted from visiting in an effort to stop the spread, are pleading for information. Even they aren’t being told how severe the outbreaks are where their loved ones live. Full Story
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The Texas Health and Human Services Commission sent the request to Gov. Greg Abbott and a panel of state legislators. Full Story
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The federal funds became available in mid-March. Texas has more than 5 million uninsured residents, or about 18% of its population, a higher rate than any other state. Full Story
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With elective procedures canceled, hospitals are reassigning staff. But even the best-laid plans may go awry if clinicians fall ill in large numbers. Full Story
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State health and education officials will join Abbott at 2 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday for an update on efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. Full Story
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"This decision is necessary to ensure the contract award processes are conducted with integrity, fairness and transparency," a spokeswoman for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission said. Full Story
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“We are perpetually at risk,” said Shelby Chiles of Lewisville, who has a rare autoimmune disease. Full Story
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Our staff is closely tracking developments on the new coronavirus in Texas. Check here for live updates. Full Story
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More than half a dozen health plans are appealing the contract decisions for STAR+PLUS, the state's privatized insurance program for elderly, blind and disabled Texans. Full Story
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Watch Dr. Courtney N. Phillips, the state’s health commissioner, talk about some of the challenges for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Phillips' speech is part of a Tribune series on the next 10 years of Texas. Full Story
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Watch Mini Kahlon, the vice dean of the University of Texas at Austin's Dell Medical School, talk about an opportunity for radical change when it comes to health care. Kahlon's speech is part of a Tribune series on the next 10 years of Texas. Full Story
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