File: Central Health Board of Managers meeting (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)
TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – The back and forth over what Central Health should charge you, and what services it should provide with that money, continues this week.
The board that governs the Travis County health district took another pass on its budget Monday after Travis County Commissioners questioned their first proposal, but several members of the Central Health Board of Managers expressed frustration over why they had to. return to the table.
“If the commissioners court says you have the money to do this, it’s a very myopic view of our entire equity plan,” said Dr. Manuel Martin, a board member.
Today’s budget includes moving toward Central Health’s 7-year plan, which includes major investments in staff, facilities and other projects aimed at providing more equitable health care to the people of Travis. County that is struggling a lot.
Central Health staff said it is increasing its reserves to build the health care system with the aim of meeting the needs of the increasing number of patients it sees each year.
Central Health wants $56 more a year from you, commissioners are pushing back on services
“We have a definite plan, approved by the board, that we continue to update with the Commissioner’s Court and the public,” said Ted Burton, chief communications officer for Central Health. He continued: “And even if we increase services, open more clinics, that reserve will decrease significantly until 2030. And at that point, our reserves will essentially hit our emergency reserve threshold without we can go down.”
But Travis County Commissioners are asking Central Health to put more money toward mental health diversion services and inmate health care. In its meeting Monday, the Central Health board noted that the services are many tasks, and they are not ready to take them from the County without further analysis.
Finally, the Central Health board agreed to change its budget language to include commitments to better understand areas of care. They also offered short-term funding for services, including agreeing to a pilot program that provides health care services to some people in prison.
Travis County Commissioners will take up the new proposal on Tuesday.
For a more in-depth look at the budget, what it will cost you, and initial concerns, check out KXAN’s previous coverage.
