FY 2026 “Year of Access” Budget Targets Better Care, Faster Service, and Stronger Outcomes for Travis County Residents

AUSTIN, Texas — Central Health’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget, known as the “Year of Access,” sets bold goals to close health care gaps and deliver faster, more connected care for Travis County residents.

For the first time, Central Health, CommUnityCare Health Centers, and Sendero Health Plans have aligned their work and goals under one coordinated budget and set of priorities. Part of the “Year of Access” plan focuses on reducing care delays, improving health outcomes, and building a unified safety-net system that works better for everyone.

“We recognize the urgent need to improve patient wait times and outcomes, especially for those facing the greatest barriers. This is how we begin to close long-standing gaps in health equity,” said Dr. Pat Lee, Central Health president & CEO.

Among the priorities for the FY 2026 budget:

• Reduce appointment wait times to two weeks or less for primary and specialty care.
• Lower avoidable emergency room visits and hospital readmissions by 10% through better follow-up care and chronic disease management.
• Increase the number of patients with health coverage by 5% through targeted enrollment efforts, including Central Health’s Medical Access Program (MAP) and MAP Basic.
• Close three major quality care gaps, such as preventive screenings and chronic disease control, by 15%.
• Build one connected system with seamless coordination across Central Health, CommUnityCare, and Sendero.

A Glimpse of What’s Possible: Alan Kelly’s Journey

While these goals represent the future of the system, some residents are already experiencing the kind of coordinated care the FY2026 budget plan aims to make the standard.

Alan Kelly, 60, entered the Central Health system in 2024 after years of homelessness, chronic illness, and repeated emergency room visits. During this time, he experienced care through multiple parts of the safety-net system including primary care and behavioral health services at CommUnityCare, case management through Central Health, and a short-term assisted living placement through a partnership with Parsons House Austin.

Through this support, Kelly quit smoking, underwent two major surgeries, reduced his ER visits, and secured permanent supportive housing with the help of Central Health.

“I think Alan is like a lot of our patients, in that we see people who need second, third and fourth chances, and he’s a great example of what these chances can mean for someone,” said Dr. Hemali Patel, Central Health’s director of transitions of care. “On the journey to getting him home, the Central Health teams have done an amazing job supporting him.”

You can read Kelly’s full story here: https://www.centralhealth.net/from-streets-to-surgery-to-stability-how-central-healths-coordinated-care-transformed-one-mans-life/

One System, One Vision, One Goal: Access for All

As Central Health moves into FY 2026 (the fiscal year runs Oct. 1 through Sept. 30), the “Year of Access” marks a shift toward long-term, measurable improvement across the hospital system. It reflects a commitment to prioritizing patient outcomes and care, delivering value to taxpayers by making the system more efficient, and empowering the team behind the care.

“As always, budgets reflect our values and priorities. With your input and support, Central Health will continue to evolve and improve to better serve everyone who relies on us,” said Dr. Lee.

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