Since Election Day, Texas politics have shifted significantly, bringing Medicaid expansion and its potential implications for the state’s uninsured population, hospitals and budget to the forefront of healthcare policy discussions.
AUSTIN, Texas (Nov. 12, 2026) — “Getting more Texans covered ultimately reduces healthcare costs for everyone. That continues to be the goal, especially as we head into this session,” said John Hawkins, president/CEO of the Texas Hospital Association.
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“For Medicaid expansion to be a suitable path to coverage gains in Texas, something must be done about the provisions Congress passed in HR 1 that could now make administering and financing the program unworkable for new expansion states.
“We support more coverage, without unintended consequences. Options need to be studied and understood before finalizing an expansion strategy.
“For now, we’d like to see federal action to quickly bring back the exchange subsidies that make coverage more affordable for people, and to repeal HR 1’s punitive Medicaid cuts.
“And, we’d like to see the Legislature focus on removing the enrollment barriers in our current program and take advantage of existing coverage expansion opportunities in mental health, women’s health and rural health.”
About THA
Founded in 1930, the Texas Hospital Association is the leadership organization and principal advocate for the state’s hospitals and healthcare systems. Based in Austin, THA enhances its members’ abilities to improve accessibility, quality and cost-effectiveness of healthcare for all Texans. One of the largest hospital associations in the country, THA represents more than 85% of the state’s acute-care hospitals and healthcare systems, which employ some 400,000 healthcare professionals statewide.