ABOUT CENTRAL HEALTH
Created by voters in 2004, Central Health’s mission is to improve the health of the community by caring for those who need it most. We are empowering communities with care by building a better healthcare system.
Central Health is the public hospital district serving the residents of Travis County. Central Health’s core objective is to provide vulnerable Travis County residents experiencing low-incomes and are uninsured with access to quality health care coverage and services. The healthcare district is also indebted to the taxpayers of Travis County—who fund the majority of Central Health’s budget—to operate in a fiscally responsible and transparent manner.
Central Health is a separate political subdivision of the State of Texas created in 2004 by a vote of Travis County residents. The boundaries of its health care service area and taxing jurisdiction are contiguous with Travis County.
In early 2022, Central Health adopted a Healthcare Equity Plan which will guide the immediate and long-term work of the hospital district to improve health and reduce inequities for Travis County’s low-income population.
The plan identifies four strategic imperatives: Access & Capacity, Care Coordination, Member Engagement, and System of Care.
Central Health at a Glance
1 in 9
Travis County Residents served by Central Health and its partners.
(147,000 + people)
204
provider locations including community health centers, hospitals, specialists, dentists and urgent care locations.
47,641 uninsured Travis County residents
received health coverage through Central Health’s MAP. Additionally, 60,661 residents received coverage through MAP Basic, a program offering essential primary care and prescription services covered for residents who may not qualify for MAP.
finances
Central Health is here to ensure that all Travis County residents have access to high-quality, cost-effective health care. With taxpayer support, Central Health and our network of partners are reinventing the health care delivery system to best serve residents with low income who are uninsured.
| Learn about our FY 2022 Budget & Tax Rate | Review Our Financial Audits & Reports |
The Central Health Enterprise
CommUnityCare Health Centers is a separate but affiliated 501(c)(3) organization of Central Health that provides medical, dental, behavioral health and prescription services through Travis County’s largest network of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).
Founded in 2011, Sendero Health Plans is the local nonprofit, community-based health maintenance organization (HMO) of Central Health designed to serve the unique needs of Central Texas residents.
OTHER PARTNERS
Central Health partners with many organizations besides CommUnityCare and Sendero, including Integral Care for acute mental and behavioral health, local Federally Qualified Health Centers Lone Star Circle of Care and People’s Community Clinic, and the Dell Medical School. The result of these strategic partnerships and investments is a stronger, more integrated health care community in Travis County.
MEDICAL ACCESS PROGRAM (MAP)
Central Health manages the Medical Access Program(MAP) and MAP Basic, a comprehensive health coverage plan that provides access to care at more than 160 locations in Central Texas. Travis County residents at 100% FPL* are eligible for MAP, and residents up to 200% FPL* can enroll in MAP Basic, which provides fewer benefits. There are approximately 50,000 MAP members enrolled every month. Central Health also provides MAP enrollment assistance and community outreach and education regarding access to health care and coverage.
Federal Poverty Level
100% FPL: Family of 4 = $26,500 in annual income
200% FPL: Family of 4 = $53,000 annual income
*Citizens and legal permanent residents living in Travis County in 2022 who are uninsured with incomes below the federal poverty level.
BEYOND THE CLINIC & HOSPITAL
Central Health prioritizes culturally appropriate public education, robust community outreach and engagement, and enrollment in health coverage, which contribute to better health.
CENTRAL HEALTH PERFORMANCE REVIEW
In April 2017, Central Health issued a Request for Proposal seeking consulting services to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization, and make recommendations about opportunities for performance improvement. Germane Solutions was selected to lead the project and began conducting its independent performance review of Central Health in July. The assessment focused on six key areas:
- Access to Care
- Planning
- Communication/Outreach
- Population Health Management
- Organizational/Governance
- Funding
