CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A Texas judge recently ordered an injunction against the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, preventing them from changing Medicaid contracts.
One of those being impacted is the Driscoll Children's Health Plan, which serves an estimated 175,000 South Texans.
Driscoll Children's Health Plan CEO and President Craig Smith said that the temporary injunction will make sure that there is no disruption to services.
"Not only do we continue operating but our members get to continue enjoying the services of one of the top health plans in the state," he said.
Since March, the nonprofit has been appealing to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, asking them to continue to provide coverage. Smith said that the worst case scenario would be, "In September of 2025, Driscoll would have ceased operations as a health plan serving those in need. "
JoeMichael Salinas is a former pharmacy technician who understands first hand how plans like Driscoll Health can help the less fortunate.
"Medicaid is something that is in place for these kiddos to get medication that they couldn't otherwise afford," Salinas said.
Especially when both parents couldn't be in the picture at the same time.
"If you were like myself and only had my mom growing up because my father passed away and it was just something that was unaffordable for her at the time and Medicaid really helped with that," he said.
Smith said that the state has 20 days to appeal the ruling, meaning many are on standby to see if an appeal will come thru on or before the twenty fifth of this month.