2024 Demographic Report
The 2024 Demographic Report builds upon Central Health’s commitment to data-driven decision-making. Since the first demographic report in 2015, Central Health has continually refined its methodologies, incorporating more precise geographic analyses, more sophisticated statistical modeling, and a clearer understanding of the factors shaping health disparities.
“This in-depth analysis provides a better understanding of the barriers and disparities our patients face, which empowers Central Health to strategically expand services where they are needed most. By doing so, we improve overall health outcomes, prevent premature deaths, and confront the injustice of life expectancy gaps affecting communities of color, unhoused individuals, and lower-income residents”
– Central Health President and CEO Pat Lee, MD
Regional Assessment
Growth, Economic Pressures, and Health Care Access
Travis County remains one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. While income levels have risen, so has the cost of living. The end of COVID 19-related Medicaid policies resulted in more than two million Texans losing coverage, impacting the most vulnerable populations.
Central Health’s coverage programs, including the Medical Access Program (MAP) and MAP Basic, help low-income people access vital care.
Where need is growing
Poverty
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As of 2024, 7.4% of Travis County families live in poverty, with projections estimating an additional 1,777 families falling below the poverty line by 2029.
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Poverty trends indicate a growing shift toward East and West Travis County, reinforcing the need for expanded health care infrastructure in these regions.
Focus areas
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Nine focus areas have the highest projected poverty rates by 2029, primarily concentrated along the I-35 corridor.
Chronic conditions and health disparities
The report provides an expanded analysis of the 10 most common and preventable chronic conditions affecting Central Health’s patient population. Certain focus areas experience disproportionately high rates of chronic conditions, highlighting the need for geographically targeted interventions.
Racial and ethnic disparities significantly impact health outcomes for enrollees with chronic conditions. Higher-risk groups, including homeless individuals and those with substance use disorders, face compounded health challenges.
The top five conditions include:
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Cardiovascular disease
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Hypertension
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Diabetes
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Behavioral health disorders
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Expanding the provider network
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The Central Health network includes 172 provider locations across Travis County.
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Major hospital expansions and new facilities, including the UT Austin Medical Center and multiple specialty hospitals, increase capacity and reduce patient travel distances for care.
Enrollment and health care utilization trends
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The Central Health Medical Access Program (MAP), MAP Basic, and the Central Health Assistance Program (CHAP) ensure access to care for a growing number of enrollees.
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Over 60% of enrollees utilize health services annually, but many rely on emergency departments due to limited access to primary care in high-poverty areas.
Addressing complex health needs
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Homeless individuals and high-risk patients in the Central Health CHAP Expansion Program remain populations of focus.
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A growing need for integrated behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment necessitates expanded mental health resources.
The report’s findings reinforce four themes
- Your background impacts your health.
Disparities in race, ethnicity, and economic factors are reflected in the diagnosis of chronic conditions
- Where you live impacts your health.
Poverty is shifting, with growing needs in East and West Travis County.
- Clinical service growth is meeting needs.
Expansions in both Central Health direct practice and network providers increased capacity. Service utilization reached record highs.
- Understanding implications and opportunities.
Data-driven planning is essential for equitable health care.
By integrating these insights into its Strategic Plan, Central Health is ensuring that resources are allocated where they are needed most, and that future expansion efforts are data-driven and equitable.
