Texas is in danger of losing federal funds due to delays in processing SNAP and Medicaid coverage.
Recently, Texas received warnings from the Biden administration about the delays in administering Medicaid and SNAP benefits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services cautioned that if the state doesn’t address the delays promptly, federal funding for these crucial programs could be at risk.
Representative Lloyd Doggett pointed fingers at Governor Greg Abbott for his apparent indifference, stating that it has left many families vulnerable and without essential support.
SNAP
The state still has a backlog in processing SNAP applications, with a processing timeliness rate of just 67.3%. This falls short of the USDA requirement of 95% of non-expedited applications being processed within 30 days. Texas must expedite its efforts to clear the backlog and improve service.
Warnings have also been issued regarding Medicaid processing, emphasizing the need for quicker eligibility determinations. The HHSC has been advised to expedite the review process to avoid potential funding losses and ensure timely benefits for eligible Texans.
The stakes are high. If Texas doesn’t act swiftly, it could lose millions in federal funding, impacting essential programs that support families in need.