Enforcement of Parent Authorization Rule
Begins April 1

HHSC has adopted new rules which make it clear that a parent, guardian or another adult approved by the parent must be with a child age 14 or younger while the child is getting a Medicaid service. This includes rides set up through the Medical Transportation Program. HHSC will begin enforcing this new rule on April 1, 2013.

What families need to know about the rule

What providers need to know about the rule

HHSC Budget Request

HHSC has submitted its 2014-2015 Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR). The baseline request for the upcoming biennium totals $48.8 billion. The LAR also includes 30 exceptional items. [LAR 2014-2015]

Texas Women’s Health Program

The state finalized rules for the Texas Women’s Health Program, which provides low-income women with family planning services, related health screenings and birth control.

• New rules: Questions and answers about the final rules. [Rules Q and A]
• For women: If you need help finding a Texas Women’s Health Program provider, call 1-800-335-8957. You can get more information about the program or learn how to apply at the Women’s Health Program website.

Health Care Quality and Efficiency Report

The Texas Institute of Health Care Quality and Efficiency has submitted its first report to the Legislature. The report provides recommendations on how to improve and best use health data, how to support the collection and analysis of data, and how to provide health data to consumers. [Health Care Quality Report]

Medicaid Managed Care Initiatives

HHSC has begun the process of making managed care services available for a larger number of people enrolled in Texas Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).[Medicaid Managed Care Initiatives]

IMPROVE Gives New Voice to Providers

Attention Medicaid Providers: HHSC wants to hear from you. Do you have an idea, issue, concern, or suggestion about Texas Medicaid?  If so, check out the IMPROVE system.

Information for grandparents raising grandkids

HHSC has a new booklet about the benefits available to grandparents raising their grandchildren. The booklet is available at HHSC benefit offices throughout the state and can be downloaded and printed using your computer. Download the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren brochure (PDF)

PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader software to view.

You can report suspected waste, fraud or abuse in health and human services programs to the HHSC Office of Inspector General online or by calling 800-436-6184. You may also make a report to the Texas State Auditor's Office by calling 800-TX-AUDIT.