Texas Could Lose Out On Millions In Funding From Federal Government

The state of Texas may face repercussions from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services for certain failures. Here's what is known at the time of writing.

Reported Failures By State Of Texas Regarding SNAP Benefits and Medicaid

As reported by Newsweek, the US Government has alerted the state multiple times that they are out of compliance on two major items: being behind on handling SNAP benefits and distribution of Medicaid coverage. This was revealed by Lloyd Doggett, a Democratic representative for the state.

He was quoted by Newsweek, saying Governor Abbott was the one to look at:

"The indifference of Governor Abbott has left millions of vulnerable families without access to a family physician or the ability to put food on the table."

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Areas Of Texas That Need Improvement

Newsweek reports that the state has made progress in handling SNAP applications, but it's not enough to meet USDA standards. Per Newsweek, Instructions from the USDA state that "95 percent of applications need to be processed within the federally mandated 30 days for non-expedited cases."

Texas, in the data revealed, originally was at 166,000, but the number has gone down to 90,000 in 2024. But this isn't timely enough for the USDA.

In addition, the state's supplying of Medicaid benefits is under scrutiny. As revealed by the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, states in the nation:

"Generally must determine eligibility within 90 days for applicants who apply for Medicaid on the basis of a disability, and 45 days for all other Medicaid and CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) applicants."

Texas' HHSC, as stated by CMC, doesn't have enough workers to handle important items. Due to this, a "focused review" was initiated by the HHSC, which would require details sent to the CMC. If the information is not given to the CMC by June 21st, Newsweek reports "formal compliance action" will occur.

As this is a developing story, we will have more information when it becomes available.