Texas’ Cook Children’s Health Plan Faces Termination, Leaving 125,000 Families Without Healthcare

The state of Texas is set to drop the Cook Children’s health plan in favor of awarding contracts to national, for-profit insurance companies. This decision could impact 125,000 North Texas families who may lose their current healthcare coverage. For over two decades, Cook Children’s has been providing healthcare services for low-income children and pregnant women. Despite their appeal of the state’s decision not to renew their Medicaid contract, it was recently denied.

Cook Children’s expressed its disappointment with the decision and plans to pursue all legal options available, including filing an immediate appeal. The hospital emphasizes its commitment to improving the well-being of every child in its care. While the changes to the state’s contracts are not set to take effect until September 2025, families enrolled in the health plan will have at least another year of coverage.

Caroline Vandergriff, a member of the CBS 11 News team, reported on this situation in North Texas. Originally from Arlington, Texas, Vandergriff is thrilled to be back home in the North Texas area where she can provide valuable insights into this important issue affecting so many families in her community.