Central Health Reports Growth in Patients Served, Coverage Gains, and Progress on System Integration in Q2 FY2026 Update
April 1, 2026
AUSTIN, Texas — Central Health presented a second-quarter fiscal year 2026 update to the Travis County Commissioners Court on March 31, reporting measurable growth in patients served, increased health care coverage, and continued progress in strengthening Travis County’s public health care system.
The update reflects continued progress under Central Health’s ‘Year of Access’ initiative, focused on delivering timely, comprehensive care for Travis County residents with low income.
“During our Year of Access, Central Health continues to close gaps in access to patient care across Travis County by building a more connected, coordinated system that is easier for people to navigate,” said Dr. Pat Lee, Central Health president and CEO. “We were proud to share our progress serving our community with the Travis County Commissioners Court today and are deeply grateful for their continued support and partnership.”
Expanding Access to Care
CommUnityCare Health Centers, the federally qualified health center network that is part of the Central Health system, served 148,234 unique patients through 557,741 visits in calendar year 2025.
More than half of those patients were uninsured, and approximately 98% reported incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level—the income threshold used to determine eligibility for programs like Medicaid. Nearly two-thirds reported being best served in a language other than English.
Across the Central Health system, more than 1-in-6 Travis County residents are on track to receive care this year—up from 1-in-9 just three years ago, reflecting rapid growth in access to services.
To meet growing demand, Central Health expanded its workforce by 41% over the past year, with most new positions focused on patient care and helping residents enroll in coverage.
Strengthening Coverage for Travis County Residents
Sendero Health Plans, the Central Health system’s nonprofit health insurance plan, reported the following milestones for 2026:
35% overall membership growth
12% growth in the Central Health Assistance Program (CHAP), which provides comprehensive coverage for Central Health members with serious health care needs
Fifth consecutive year as the only 4-Star Affordable Care Act plan in Texas
Named a ‘Best Place to Work’ by the Austin American-Statesman for the eighth consecutive year
“It’s tangible to see how far you all have come,” said Commissioner Brigid Shea. “You really are dramatically improving the access to care across the whole spectrum—the primary care, the specialty care, and the mental health care. You’re putting all these pieces in place.”
Advancing Accountability and System Performance
Central Health also updated commissioners on implementation of recommendations from a 2024 independent performance review ordered by the Travis County Commissioners Court and conducted by Mazars, a global audit and advisory firm. Of 115 total recommendations, approximately 75% have been completed, with the remainder in progress. No recommendations are currently off track.
Recent milestones include onboarding a new chief compliance officer, updating the organization’s compliance plan—approved by the Central Health Board of Managers on March 25—and expanding language access services and online communications.
Presentation Resources
Download the full presentation: https://cdn.intelligencebank.com/us/share/BnK4M4/74AZO/2dBye/original/20260331+CH+Briefing+to+TCCC+FINAL
Watch the Commissioners Court meeting: https://traviscotx.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3607/media