Texas Warned It Could Lose Millions in Federal Funding [View all]

Source: Newsweek

Published Jun 12, 2024 at 5:26 AM EDT | Updated Jun 12, 2024 at 10:54 AM EDT


Texas could face penalties from federal authorities if delays in administering SNAP benefits and medical cover continue.

The Biden administration has sent several letters to Texas officials warning them over persistent delays relating to Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Democratic representative Lloyd Doggett has revealed. Officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMS) have said the state could lose federal funding for the programs if the issues, which include major backlogs in processing benefits and the issuance of health coverage, aren't promptly rectified.

Doggett laid the blame on Governor Greg Abbott. Responding to the letters, he said that "the indifference of Governor Abbott has left millions of vulnerable families without access to a family physician or the ability to put food on the table."

"While belated actions from USDA and CMS are much needed, Texans will continue to suffer until we have competent state leadership that prioritizes those most in need," he continued. "Any loss of federal funding, even administrative funds, would be a direct result of the Abbott HHSC's failures."

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/texas-lose-millions-federal-funding-snap-medicaid-1911601