Central Health’s Board Passes FY 2026 Budget, Heads to Travis County Commissioners Court for Approval

AUSTIN, Texas — The Central Health Board of Managers formally approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and tax rate during its meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 10. The proposal known as the “Year of Access” now heads to the Travis County Commissioners Court, which will hold a public hearing and vote on Tuesday, Sept. 16, as required by state law.

The FY 2026 budget represents the first time Central Health, CommUnityCare Health Centers, and Sendero Health Plans are planning together under one coordinated budget and shared set of goals. Collectively, the system will invest more than $1.1 billion to improve access, strengthen outcomes, and ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and sustainably.

With this budget, the Central Health system projects it will:

• Serve more than 209,000 people across Travis County.
• Deliver more than 1.2 million visits and 11,700 episodes of care across inpatient, outpatient, and case management.
• Provide services through 309 employed providers and a network of more than 11,000 contracted providers.

“This budget is not about numbers. It’s about people and trust,” said Dr. Pat Lee, Central Health president & CEO. “Together with our partners, we are building a health system worthy of Travis County. One where every resident has a fair chance to live a healthier, fuller life.”

Key Priorities of the FY 2026 ‘Year of Access’ Budget

Expanding Access and Reducing Wait Times

• Goal to cut appointment wait times to two weeks or less for primary and specialty care
• Reduce avoidable ER visits and hospital readmissions by 10%
• Expand enrollment in coverage such as the Medical Access Program (MAP) and MAP Basic by 5%

Protecting Care Through Uncertain Times

• More than $33 million dedicated to services supporting the unhoused community
• Safeguarding access to local clinics despite reductions in Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies

Smart Growth and Taxpayer Value

• Reduce system duplication by 50% through vendor consolidation, shared services, and streamlined contracts.
• Increase non-tax revenue by 2% through grants, philanthropy, and reimbursements.
• Launch a Community Support Index to measure public trust and increase engagement.

Fiscal Overview & Next Steps

The proposed tax rate is 11.8023¢ per $100 of assessed value, about $64 more per year for the average homestead than last year, or roughly 5% of the total property tax bill, the lowest share of any major Texas hospital district.

The FY 2026 budget and tax rate will be considered by the Travis County Commissioners Court at a public hearing and vote on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Residents are encouraged to participate and share feedback before final approval.

Central Health’s fiscal year begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30.

You can read more about the FY 2026 Budget here: https://www.centralhealth.net/get-involved-fiscal-year-2026-budget/

You can view the FY 2026 financials here: https://www.centralhealth.net/about-central-health/finance/