Medicaid was created by Congress in 1965 and came to Texas two years later, a program designed to provide health benefits to specific groups—initially, to recipients of certain cash assistance programs. Since then, eligibility has gradually expanded and caseload growth has made Medicaid the single largest program in the state budget. In 2001, Medicaid consumed 20% of the All Funds (AF) budget but now accounts for nearly 30% of the 2016-17 budget.
Health Care
Don’t Fence Me In: Reggie’s Story
DEL RIO—Reggie’s life has revolved around opportunity—seeking it all over America, and eventually creating it for himself, in response to the needs of his neighbors. He’s back in Del Rio now—where he belongs, he says. He runs a medical transport company (staffed by licensed EMTS and paramedics), something many of the elderly South Texas depend...
March 16, 2026