News and stories about our work to protect and advance the civil legal rights of low-income Texans.
UPDATE: This change went into effect March 1, 2024. Low-income mothers in Texas will now receive Medicaid coverage for a year after giving birth. This approval, granted by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, marks a year-long initiative that encompasses half of all births in the state. In Texas, Medicaid enrollment grew steadily throughout the pandemic, increasing from about […]
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides beneficiaries to customers that are retired workers, disabled workers, as well as survivors of a passed loved one. Sometimes the SSA experiences overpayment issues which can cause distress on its customers. Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley announced he is taking four vital steps to immediately address overpayment issues. Customers whose benefits are withdrawn can […]
Morgan is a 20-year-old diagnosed with ADHD, Autistic Disorder, Aspergers Syndrome, depression, and seizures. He was employed at Walmart, Sears, and Home Depot as a maintenance man, placing work orders, stocking, and unloading furniture. He failed to meet production demands which caused him stress and anxiety and eventually lost focus of his work tasks. He was later fired for poor […]
Mark is a minor facing various disabilities and health challenges. His mom, Laura, found out about the Medicaid denial when she tried to take him to the doctor. Laura turned to Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) to appeal the denial and address the mistakes made by Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) in her son’s case. She shared that because […]
As of March 1, 2024, low-income mothers in Texas will receive Medicaid coverage for a year after giving birth. This approval, granted by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, marks a year-long initiative that encompasses half of all births in the state. In Texas, Medicaid enrollment grew steadily throughout the pandemic, increasing from about 4 million people in early […]
Paul was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer and developed eye problems because of it. He is a minor and has been a Medicaid recipient for the last five years which has helped treat his eye condition. United Health Care, a Managed Care Organization (MCO), provided Paul with benefits throughout that time, until suddenly Paul was denied an […]
In 2020, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), part of which continued Medicaid benefits for those already enrolled, regardless of any changes in eligibility. That continuous Medicaid coverage ended on March 31, 2023, and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) began disenrolling recipients in May. HHSC began sending recertification letters to all Medicaid recipients […]
15-year-old Sarah’s dentist told her she needed braces. Although she had a health plan that was part of a Managed Care Organization (MCO), her orthodontic claims were denied over and over. They claimed braces are not “medically necessary.” Sarah’s mother Kathy reached out to Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) for assistance with an appeal. Elizabeth Green, in our Public Benefits […]
Based on current COVID-19 trends, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is planning for the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19, declared under Section 319 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, to expire on May 11, 2023. Earlier this month, there was an announcement ending the additional funding for SNAP recipients due to the PHE ending, […]
At 12 years old, Mara was diagnosed with a rare disease, Takayasu Arteritis, which left her unable to walk. She was told she would be disabled for the rest of her life. At 20 years-old, the Social Security Administration (SSA) determined her diagnosed conditions were not severe enough to warrant a finding of disability, and Mara was denied Social Security […]
Overview Most Affordable Care Act Coverage Plans will stay the same, leading into each new year. However, new rules implemented this past year will affect coverage in 2023, reducing your cost. If you haven’t been able to find a plan, or this is your first-time shopping for an affordable health plan, we will go over what you need to know […]
Medicare is a federal health insurance program available to those 65 years or older and adults with disabilities. Medicare is split into four parts: A – hospital insurance B – physician/outpatient services C – Medicare provided by private insurance companies D – prescription drug coverage If you need help affording Medicare in Texas, you have options. The state offers four […]
The County Indigent Health Care Program helps low-income Texas residents who don’t qualify for other state or federal health care programs have access to health care services. An indigent patient is a patient whose health insurance coverage, if any, does not provide full coverage for all their medical expenses and that their medical expenses, in relationship to their income. Benefits […]
Our financial assistance and public benefits advocates help low-income families access nutritional, financial, and income-support benefits. We can help with Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the program formerly known as Food Stamps Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Social Security County Indigent Healthcare Unemployment Insurance Medicare/Medicaid Discrimination in government programs for race, national origin, sex, pregnancy, […]
Workplace violence (WPV) is any act or threat of violence, harassment, intimidation, or disruptive behavior that occurs in a workplace. Hospitals and health systems have vigorous protocols to detect violence against their staff. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the health care field has seen an increase in workplace violence and studies show rates will not be receding anytime […]
The rise in recent school shootings Mass school shootings are a traumatic event that can potentially trigger mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in people who were directly impacted by a violent threat such as a school shooting. Studies show that adolescent trauma has more lifelong effects on young people with developing brains. This causes them to […]
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has 30 days to act on a client’s SNAP benefits application and 45 days to act on Medicaid cases. Jack was referred to Lone Star Legal Aid by BakerRipley and needed SNAP benefits for a household of four people. Jack submitted an initial SNAP application on February 8, 2022, and after 80 days, […]
Children in Texas can get low-cost or free health coverage through Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Children’s Medicaid. CHIP is a health care program for children without insurance whose families earn too much to receive Children’s Medicaid but cannot afford health care. Children’s Medicaid is a program for low-income families. To get approved for either program, a child must […]
The COVID-19 global health pandemic has caused widespread damage, including damage to the economy, right here in the United States. Families are suffering. They are desperate for money, food, shelter, and now, they need benefits to feed their families and take care of their children. COVID-19 has impacted family life, but thankfully Lone Star Legal Aid can help families obtain public […]
Last Tuesday, the Connecting Texas Kids to Coverage Unit at Lone Star Legal Aid participated in an outreach at Lantrip Elementary School to educate parents on CHIP and Children’s Medicaid. We have a dedicated a team of lawyers and paralegals who can help applicants who qualify for our services apply for Children’s Medicaid or CHIP benefits. We can enroll on […]
