Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM)— the largest faith-based, not-for-profit, private funding source for community healthcare services to low-income families and the uninsured in South Texas, along with other health advocacy groups including but not limited to the Center for Public Policy Priorities, Texans Care for Children and Texas Impact are demanding state leaders include children’s health insurance in the budget. Toll free numbers have been established so that every Texan has the opportunity to raise their voices in support of children’s health insurance funding.

The state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and children’s Medicaid has long been plagued by inadequate outreach, an inefficient processing system with limited caseworkers, and insufficient reimbursement for health providers.

MHM and other health advocates are calling on Lt. Governor Dewhurst, Senate Finance Chair Ogden and House Appropriations Chair Pitts to support funding for CHIP and Medicaid in the budget and fix the inadequacies of both programs. Moreover, MHM is calling on these state leaders to include state dollars to fund enrollment spots for the 750,000 children in our state who are eligible but not enrolled in CHIP or Medicaid.

MHM has sponsored toll free direct lines to Lt. Dewhurst’s office as well as Senator Ogden and Representative Pitts to encourage Texans to call these lawmakers to ensure our children have access to health insurance. Those numbers are: 1-866-934-2619 (Lt. Governor Dewhurst); 1-877-427-9286 (Senator Ogden); and 1-888-214-0504
(Representative Pitts).

About Methodist Healthcare Ministries
Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) is a private, faith-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing medical, dental and health-related human services to low-income families and the uninsured in South Texas. The mission of the organization is “Serving Humanity to Honor God” by improving the physical, mental and spiritual health of those least served in the Southwest Texas Conference area of The United Methodist Church. MHM is one-half owner of the Methodist Healthcare System—the largest healthcare system in South Texas.