Behind the Headlines

From the front lines to the headlines, THA’s Behind the Headlines helps make sense of the forces shaping hospitals, patients and care in Texas.

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Behind the Headlines is a publication of the Texas Hospital Association designed to help readers make sense of the complex healthcare news and policy environment. It provides hospital-relevant news summaries, the impact of health policies in local communities and analysis of the key issues shaping care delivery in Texas.

Contact: Carrie Williams, Chief Communications Officer, 512/465-1052

Coverage Should Be Elementary

August 3, 2026

Tens of thousands of eligible Texas children have lost health coverage after Medicaid unwinding, putting preventive care, healthy development and long-term outcomes at risk.

How Does “Free” Care Get Paid?

July 27, 2026

Texas hospitals provide billions in care without expecting payment in return. As more families struggle to afford healthcare, who keeps the safety net standing?

Health Cost Report Card

July 20, 2026

Rising expenses, stronger demand and fewer Texans maintaining Marketplace coverage are creating new financial challenges for Texas hospitals statewide.

The Reality of the Deal

July 13, 2026

Who is best positioned to protect patients’ interests when hospitals and insurers are negotiating, and what role should government play in that process?

“1 Piece of a 1,000-Piece Puzzle”

June 29, 2026

Texas’ behavioral health crisis is no longer confined to emergency rooms or psychiatric units. While recent closures have drawn attention to a growing shortage of inpatient beds, healthcare leaders say the bigger concern is the weak behavioral health continuum itself.