Texas Bill Could Give Health Insurance to More Working Adults

Texas lawmakers have introduced a bill that would expand Medicaid coverage to thousands more people in our state. House Bill 316 would give healthcare coverage to anyone who qualifies under federal rules but can't get Medicaid under current Texas law. Right now, Texas is one of 10 states that hasn't expanded Medicaid. Most adults without children can't get coverage, even if they work low-paying jobs. The bill would change that by covering all adults who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level. For a single person, that's about $20,120 a year. The federal government would pay 90% of the costs for these new patients. Texas would pay the remaining 10%. The state health department would have to track how expansion affects the number of uninsured people, state healthcare costs, and charity care at hospitals. The bill has a catch. It only takes effect in January 2026 if voters first approve a constitutional amendment requiring Medicaid expansion. That amendment would need to pass during the same legislative session. State agencies could also delay the program if they need federal approval first. The legislature meets every two years, so this session represents the next chance to expand coverage. Hospitals and healthcare advocates have pushed for expansion for years, saying it would help cover the cost of treating uninsured patients who currently rely on emergency rooms.