AUSTIN, Texas — Federal funding changes are impacting Central Health - the public hospital district in Travis County - which serves low-income residents.

Now, Central Health's President and CEO, Dr. Pat Lee, says it is time to double down on primary care.

"We're going to do a range of things to improve coverage to reduce wait times, to increase the number of doctors and specialists," Dr. Lee said.

The Central Health system is calling their 2026 budget the "Year of Access," where they will invest more than $1 billion to support the homeless, cut wait times for appointments and reduce emergency room visits that are avoidable.

On Tuesday, Travis County commissioners approved the budget, but it will come at a cost to taxpayers. The average homeowner will pay around $64 more per year.

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