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News Releases

November 1 , 2007

Audit Confirms HHSC System Calculates Benefits Correctly
AUSTIN ―The State Auditor’s Office has tested the state’s new social services computer system and concluded that it correctly determines whether Texans qualify for food stamps, TANF and Medicaid and that it calculates benefit amounts accurately.

“We’re pleased that the State Auditor confirmed that TIERS works,” said Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins. “The audit also reaffirmed a decision we made in 2004 to change the TIERS database design. We’ve completed that redesign, and we’re continuing to implement other improvements recommended by the State Auditor and our technology team.” [Calculates Benefits] [Questions and Answers]

September 24, 2007

HHSC Names 16-Member Committee for Children’s Initiatives
AUSTIN ― The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has named a 16-person committee to help the agency determine how to use new funding to make it easier for children with Medicaid coverage to get medical and dental checkups.[Frew Committee]

August 31, 2007

More Women to Qualify for Medicaid Breast Cancer Treatment
AUSTIN ― More Texas women will be eligible for breast and cervical cancer treatment through Medicaid under a new law taking effect Sept. 1. [Breast Cancer]

August 15, 2007

Health and Human Services Inspector General Resigns
AUSTIN – Brian Flood today resigned as the state’s Inspector General for Health and Human Services, where he has served since 2003. During this time, the Office of the Inspector General  recovered more than $1 billion and led fraud deterrence efforts that saved tens of millions more. [Inspector General]

July 24, 2007

Operation Lone Star Two-Week Free Medical Care Starts Strong

BROWNSVILLE – More than 1,300 people took advantage of free medical care during the first day of Operation Lone Star.  The annual program began Monday at sites in Brownsville, San Juan, Mission and Raymondville. Services at those sites will continue through Friday. [Operation Lone Star]

June 27, 2007

Free Medical Care to be Offered in Rio Grande Valley Communities
AUSTIN – Anyone who shows up at Operation Lone Star sites in south Texas in late July and early August can receive free basic medical services, dental care, checkups, immunizations, and health education and referrals. [Rio Grande Valley]

June 15, 2007

Recap of 80th Texas Legislature
AUSTIN – The 80th Texas Legislature approved a $51 billion budget for the state’s five health and human services agencies for fiscal years 2008-2009, a 4.6 percent increase over current funding levels. Lawmakers enacted additional reforms for the state’s Child Protective Services program, provided direction for an ambitious package of Medicaid reforms to expand access to health coverage, and expanded funding for crisis mental health services. [80th Legislature]

March 29, 2007

DARS Mourns Loss of Two Employees in Houston Fire
AUSTIN ― Two employees of the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services died Wednesday in a fire that destroyed an agency office in Houston. The victims have been identified as Jeanette Hargrove, 52, and Shana Ellis, 38. [DARS Mourns Loss]

March 13 , 2007

HHSC, Texas Access Alliance Agree to End Contract Early
AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) today announced that it would begin winding down its contract with the Texas Access Alliance and transition day-to-day management of Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) operations and call centers to state staff. [Access Alliance]

Feb. 1, 2007
Sponsor Organizations Sought for Kids' Summer Food Program
AUSTIN — Federally funded school breakfasts and lunches help millions of low-income children in Texas get nutritious meals during the school year. The Summer Food Service Program is looking for organizations to make sure those children don’t go hungry when school lets out. [Kid's Summer Food Program]

Dec. 27 , 2006
New Medicaid, CHIP Programs Expand Coverage, Save State Money
Medicaid to Provide Family Planning Services to More Women; CHIP to Offer Prenatal Coverage
AUSTIN – Texas is expanding the number of low-income women who qualify for family planning and prenatal services under two innovative programs that begin in January. [Medicaid/CHIP Expand Coverage]

Dec. 21 , 2006
HHSC Announces New Strategy to Modernize Eligibility System
AUSTIN — The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) today announced a new strategy to modernize the state’s eligibility system and make it easier for Texans to apply for services. Under the plan, the state will retain some functions originally envisioned to be performed by the private sector, reduce the terms of the contract, and change management of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). [New Strategy]

Dec. 1 , 2006
Lakey Named Commissioner of State Health Services
AUSTIN —Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins today announced the selection of Dr. David L. Lakey as commissioner of the Department of State Health Services. [DSHS Commissioner]

Nov. 14, 2006
Free or Reduced-Priced Meals Now Available at Child, Adult Day Care Centers
AUSTIN — Nutritious meals are available to participants at more than 5,000 adult and child care centers and day care homes in Texas through a program run by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. [Free or Reduced-Priced Meals]

Oct. 17, 2006
HHSC Announces $3.5 Million Outreach Effort
AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) today announced tentative awards to 21 community-based organizations for a $3.5 million project to help Texas families enroll in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicaid and other services. [Outreach Effort]

Sept. 28, 2006
HHSC, Food Banks to Begin New Outreach Effort
AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is launching a new $475,000 outreach effort that will enlist volunteers at food banks to help Texans apply for state services. [Food Bank]

Sept. 12 , 2006
Workers With Disabilities Now Can Buy Medicaid Benefits
AUSTIN - Texas workers with disabilities now can apply for extended health insurance benefits even if their income exceeds traditional Medicaid limits. The new Medicaid Buy-In program began Sept. 1.[Medicaid Buy-In]

Aug. 22 , 2006
Survey Finds 251,000 Katrina Evacuees Remain in Texas
AUSTIN - A comprehensive survey released today by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission found that 251,000 Hurricane Katrina evacuees remain in Texas, and many have significant employment, housing and health-care needs.[Survey Katrina]

Aug. 16, 2006
Traylor Named Associate Commissioner for Medicaid-CHIP Division
AUSTIN - Chris Traylor has been named associate commissioner for Medicaid and CHIP at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). [Traylor named Associate Commissioner]

Aug. 10, 2006

Popular Children’s Character Returns to Radio in New CHIP Ads
AUSTIN – It’s been years since the playful voice of Cri-Cri, El Grillito Cantor (The Singing Cricket), graced the radio airwaves, but now the beloved Mexican children’s performer can be heard in a radio campaign encouraging families to enroll their children in CHIP or Children’s Medicaid. [CHIP Ads] [En Español]