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News
Texas Medicaid and SNAP Application Backlog Grows
New data from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) shows that delays in processing Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications are worsening across the state. As of September 2026, approximately 238,000 Medicaid applications and 175,000 SNAP applications were stuck in the state’s backlog. These delays can prevent eligible Texans from accessing essential health coverage, prenatal care, medications, and food assistance when they need it most.
According to Texans Care for Children, only 62% of Medicaid applications were processed within federal timeliness standards in September, which generally require eligibility decisions within 45 days. Half of Medicaid applicants waited more than 68 days just for processing to begin. The organization is urging state leaders to address the causes of these delays, including supporting HHSC’s request to transition temporary eligibility workers into full-time positions. The growing backlog underscores the need for improved state enrollment systems and adequate staffing to ensure eligible Texas families can access essential healthcare and nutrition assistance in a timely manner.
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Texas Proposes Eliminating Children's Autism Program (CAP)
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has proposed eliminating state funding for the Children’s Autism Program as part of its 2028–2029 budget request. Established in 2008, the program provides reduced-cost applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy to children with autism through 16 providers statewide. In fiscal year 2026, the program supported 583 children, while at least 1,000 more remained on waitlists. The proposal comes amid state-directed budget cuts and raises concerns about access to services for families who cannot afford private therapy.
Advocates warn that eliminating the program could leave many children without access to critical services, particularly those whose insurance does not cover therapy or who struggle to find providers accepting Medicaid. Although Medicaid covers ABA therapy for eligible children, provider shortages and low reimbursement rates can limit access, especially in rural communities. If approved by the Legislature, the proposed cuts would end services after August 2027, potentially widening existing gaps in care for Texas families.
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Texas Appeals Federal Court Order on A/C in State Prisons
Texas is appealing a federal judge’s order requiring air conditioning in all state prisons by the end of 2029, extending a yearslong legal battle over extreme heat in correctional facilities. In September, U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman ruled that conditions in prisons without adequate cooling violate constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment. As of October 1, just over one-third of Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities were fully climate-controlled, leaving approximately 90,000 incarcerated Texans without air conditioning. The judge cited evidence of heat-related suffering and at least nine inmate deaths linked to extreme temperatures between 2023 and 2025.
State attorneys argue that the court-ordered timeline could disrupt prison operations and divert funding from other priorities, including healthcare, contraband detection, and staffing. The agency estimates that installing air conditioning throughout the prison system could cost $1.5 billion, while advocates argue that the state should prioritize protecting the health and safety of people in its custody. The appeal comes as Texas lawmakers prepare for the 2027 legislative session, where prison funding and plans to expand climate-controlled housing are likely to remain important issues.
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Potential Federal Benefit Program Cuts
Texas Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate nominee Ken Paxton suggested supporting cuts to federal benefit programs during a private fundraiser on September 24 with Washington lobbyists, according to audio obtained by The Texas Tribune. In the recording, Paxton argued that “reasonable cuts to mandatory spending” are necessary to address the federal deficit. Mandatory spending includes major programs such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, which provide retirement income, healthcare coverage and essential support to millions of Americans. Paxton did not specify which programs he would target or the extent of any proposed cuts.
Following the report, Paxton said he would protect Social Security and denied intending to take away benefits from eligible Americans, arguing that the recording misrepresented his position. The comments have drawn attention as Paxton campaigns against Democratic nominee James Talarico in the 2026 U.S. Senate race. The debate carries significant implications for Texans who rely on federal programs to access healthcare and meet basic needs, particularly as federal policy changes continue to raise concerns about the future of Medicaid and other safety-net programs.
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San Antonio 2027 Water and Energy Rates
San Antonio residents will see higher water bills beginning in 2027 after City Council approved the San Antonio Water System’s (SAWS) rate increase plan on Thursday, October 8, 2026. The average residential monthly bill will increase by $3.91, or 6.9%, in 2027, with additional increases planned through 2030. SAWS officials say the additional revenue will support a $2.6 billion infrastructure improvement plan focused on water supply, wastewater systems, and essential repairs. The decision comes amid ongoing concerns about the rising cost of living for local households.
Meanwhile, CPS Energy has withdrawn its request for a rate increase, citing financial pressures on customers amid persistent inflation and rising household expenses. The utility plans to revisit the need for a rate adjustment in mid-2027, noting that population growth, increasing energy demand and aging infrastructure continue to drive investment needs. Together, the decisions highlight the challenge facing local utilities as they balance critical infrastructure investments with the need to keep essential services affordable for residents.
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Early Voting Begins October 19
With the 2026 General Election approaching, Texans should be aware of several key deadlines and updates that may affect how and when they vote. Early voting begins October 19 and runs through October 30, giving voters the opportunity to avoid Election Day lines and vote at a time that works best for their schedule. Election Day is on November 3.
For those planning to vote by mail, October 23 is the deadline for a Vote by Mail application to be received, and mail ballots must also be received by November 3 to be counted. Because the U.S. Postal Service has updated its postmarking process and delivery times can vary, voters mailing in their applications are encouraged to send in their materials as early as possible to avoid delays.
Key Election Dates to Remember:
- October 19 – First day of early voting
- October 23 – Last day for a Vote by Mail ballot application to be received
- October 30 – Last day of early voting
- November 3 – Election Day and the last day for a Vote by Mail ballot to be received
Voting is an important opportunity for Texans to have a voice in the decisions that shape their communities. Voters can check their registration status and find their polling locations through the Texas Secretary of State’s My Voter Portal. For nonpartisan, detailed information about what’s on the ballot, how to vote, and what to bring on Election Day, voters can check out the Texas League of Women Voters Voting Guide.
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For more information on health care research, policy, or advocacy,
please contact Samantha Hernandez at policy@mhm.org.
"Pursuing Health Equity by supporting Resilient Families and Thriving Communities.”
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