September 24, 2024
(Austin, TX) – The Travis County Commissioners Court voted unanimously Tuesday, Sept. 24 to approve the Central Health fiscal year 2025 budget and tax rate. Citing unwavering support of the taxpayer-funded Travis County Hospital District’s mission, all five members voted yes.
“I represent a community that lives 10 to 20 years less because of the lack of access to adequate health care,” Travis County Precinct One Commissioner Jeff Travillion said. “The point of all this is to serve our indigent populations, improve the health of our whole community, improve equity and justice, and improve the overall economic vitality of our community, which is linked to health.”
The $888.7 million budget supports a $58.2 million increase in healthcare delivery with approximately 88% of the total budget dedicated to funding healthcare delivery. Key increases in the budget include:
- Expanding specialty care: Increasing the district’s budget by $30.8 million to provide 30,000 annual specialty care visits.
- Supporting mental health: Increasing the budget by $8 million for specialty behavioral health care.
- Enhancing post-hospital care: Expanding teams in skilled nursing facilities and setting up new contracts with a goal of providing 1,440 bed days directly operated by Central Health and 3,000 contracted.
- Strengthening care coordination and enrollment: Expanding patient navigation efforts with a $3.6 million increase and 21 new employees; and bolstering eligibility and enrollment services with a $2.6 million increase for more on-site and virtual services.
By the end of FY 2025, Central Health aims to achieve several key milestones founded in its Healthcare Equity Plan, the document that is guiding the district’s work over the next several years. These objectives include a six-fold increase in specialty care visits, establishing a dedicated respite facility where people experiencing homelessness can rest and recover safely after leaving the hospital, and improving how the district coordinates care for patients, reducing hospital readmissions.
“Thank you for entrusting us with the vital mission of providing access to health care for those who need it most,” said Dr. Pat Lee, Central Health President & CEO. “Your confidence in Central Health empowers us to continue this important work.”
Central Health’s new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.
The Central Health Healthcare Equity Plan
In 2022, Central Health created a seven-year Healthcare Equity Plan in response to a 2018 third-party performance review that found gaps in the local safety-net healthcare system. Many of these gaps have been around for generations. This plan resulted from an 18-month process that was driven by data and informed and shaped by the community. Through this process Central Health identified specific gaps in primary care, specialty care, behavioral health, dental care, hospital-based care, and post-acute care for low-income Travis County residents. Now entering its second year, the plan aims to close these gaps and ensure equitable healthcare access.
“I think it’s a very exciting time,” said Travis County Precinct Four Commissioner Margaret Gomez. “I think, with the advent of new hospitals on the horizon, by all these different players, we’re just going to really be becoming a real spot for the region of Central Texas to depend on for first-class health care.”
A Story of Hope: Kevin’s Journey to Recovery
One key initiative under the Central Health Healthcare Equity Plan is the growing transitions of care program, which plays a critical role in bridging gaps in health care for patients who are at greatest risk. For instance, the district’s transitions of care team recently supported Kevin Gant, a longtime Austinite and musician who found himself homeless and in urgent need of medical care. Kevin was admitted to a hospital, where the team immediately coordinated his care, addressing both his medical and social needs. Over several months, Kevin transitioned from being wheelchair-bound to walking independently, and he was connected to Veterans Affairs benefits he never knew he was eligible for, such as health care and housing support.
” I couldn’t be more pleased,” Kevin said. “It’s given me a new appreciation of what it means to have the energy to even speak, because I didn’t have the energy at some points. And that I can get up now is just a miracle to me.”
Central Health’s Impact by the Numbers
In FY 2023, more than 50,000 Travis County residents with low income received health coverage through the Central Health Medical Access Program (MAP), and more than 76,000 residents received coverage through MAP Basic. The Central Health system, which includes CommUnityCare Health Centers and Sendero Health Plans, served more than 155,000 people — a 2% year-over-year increase. Additionally, Central Health expanded its physicians network by 12%, adding 19 new providers, including those specializing in opioid treatment, primary care, and specialty services.
“Looking to the future, this budget not only addresses our immediate needs but also positions Central Health for continued growth and innovation,” said Central Health Board of Managers Treasurer Maram Museitif. “It is a crucial step in the implementation of our seven-year Healthcare Equity Plan, which is central to our mission of building a more just and equitable healthcare system. Together, we will build a stronger, healthier community that serves everyone with dignity and respect.”