This in-depth training provides a practical foundation in the essential functions of County Indigent Health Care Programs (CIHCPs), with a focus on eligibility determination, documentation compliance, and billing processes. Chris from IHS will guide participants through case examples, common pitfalls, and tools to strengthen program integrity and reimbursement efficiency.

TIHCA Chair Ebony Jackson will officially open the conference with a welcome address, reflections on the year’s achievements, and an introduction to the “Connecting the Dots” theme. This session sets the tone for collaboration, innovation, and shared learning across counties.

Federal fiscal policy has a direct impact on local healthcare delivery and equity outcomes. Every Texan will provide a timely overview of the federal budget landscape, highlight key funding streams impacting counties, and examine how shifts in federal priorities are shaping the future of health access and equity across Texas communities.

The Texas Health Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public health institute rooted in Texas and nationally engaged in transforming health systems, strengthening public health infrastructure, and cultivating healthy communities.

Since its founding, THI has served as a vital force in advancing systems-level solutions that promote whole‑person, community‑centered health care and reduce barriers for individuals across Texas. Their core strategies include:

• Leading through rigorous research and evaluation
• Translating data and insights into meaningful impact
• Fostering collaborative action among stakeholders
• Providing technical assistance and training to support practice and policy

Their recent initiatives spotlight innovations in primary care—such as the Primary Care Matters video series, including episodes like Putting The Primary Care Puzzle Pieces Together (July 2025) and Lessons Learned from 15 Years of Primary Care Innovation (April 2025)—underscoring THI’s commitment to reshaping health care delivery across the state.

A moderated discussion with TIHCA Board members highlighting success stories, local innovations, and practical improvements across counties. Participants will gain insight into what’s working, what needs refining, and what collective strategies are shaping the future of county indigent healthcare programs.

This interactive session will walk attendees through the latest state and federal policy shifts affecting indigent health care. Windy Johnson and Rick Thompson will facilitate group input on legislative strategy, grant opportunities, and ways to navigate changing funding streams in preparation for the 89th Legislative Session.

This interactive session will walk attendees through the latest state and federal policy shifts affecting indigent health care. Windy Johnson and Rick Thompson will facilitate group input on legislative strategy, grant opportunities, and ways to navigate changing funding streams in preparation for the 89th Legislative Session.

Learn how trauma-informed care principles can reshape your intake and eligibility interviews, reduce traumatization, and improve accuracy in assessments. Kaitlyn Bruch will guide participants through effective, compassionate strategies rooted in her county experience and statewide technical assistance work.

Join the TIHCA Board and fellow members for lunch, updates on association activities, board elections, and a review of financials. This session offers a chance to engage with leadership, ask questions, and help shape the direction of TIHCA’s work for the coming year.

During this session, hear an overview of various state benefit programs that can significantly enhance the well-being of county residents. These often-underutilized programs are designed to support individuals with limited financial resources. Key topics include brief explorations of TANF/Medicaid, Disability, Vocational Rehabilitation (VOC), the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and Hospital Financial Assistance.

Learn how ECI’s patient advocacy and eligibility support model enhances access to care for indigent populations by helping individuals navigate local, state, and federal programs.

Blanca N. Garcia, LCSW-S, will share how Here For Texas, a program of Grant Halliburton Foundation, connects individuals and families with accessible mental health resources across the state through its free online searchable database and Mental Health Navigation Line. This session will highlight how Here For Texas supports community needs by offering guidance, information, and support for both mental health and substance use. It will also cover how the program’s approach differs from local navigation services (such as those in Denton County) and practical ways counties can refer residents to services through Here For Texas. In addition, Blanca will provide a basic overview of the different levels of mental health care available in Texas.

Get the latest on Local Provider Participation Funds (LPPFs), including upcoming policy changes, legislative proposals, and implications for hospital-county partnerships. Don Lee will provide insights into LPPF administration, transparency expectations, and the evolving landscape of supplemental hospital payments.

Wrap up the day with a lighthearted networking session designed to help attendees “connect the dots” between counties, ideas, and shared goals. This informal mixer includes team-based activities and creative prompts to spark conversation and collaboration across regions.

County jails are often the de facto providers of both medical and mental health care for underserved populations. Hear practical strategies from Ellis County for improving jail healthcare delivery, reducing emergency transports, coordinating with CIHCPs, and navigating the complex overlap of public health, liability, and law enforcement. This session offers a grounded look at challenges and innovations counties can replicate to better serve justice-involved individuals.

The Interactive Conversation on Best Practices will be a dynamic session centered on sharing challenges, solutions, and innovative approaches in indigent healthcare. Participants will engage with peers to exchange experiences, explore creative problem-solving, and identify practical strategies for overcoming obstacles in serving underserved populations. This year’s conversation will also spotlight workforce resilience and burnout prevention, using data for accountability and better outcomes, and building community partnerships outside traditional healthcare settings. Through open dialogue and collective brainstorming, attendees will leave with actionable tools, proven methods, and new perspectives they can apply in their own programs to strengthen access, efficiency, and patient outcomes.

This session provides an in-depth look at how federal programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicare intersect with local healthcare efforts. The discussion will cover eligibility criteria, benefits, and challenges associated with these programs, focusing on how they support low-income and disabled individuals. Attendees will gain insight into strategies for maximizing benefits, navigating common issues, and improving care coordination for vulnerable populations. This session is essential for healthcare providers and policymakers seeking to better support those reliant on these critical programs.

An open floor discussion to reflect on this year’s themes, highlight promising practices, and set shared goals for 2026. Facilitated by TIHCA’s new chair, this session invites attendees to weigh in on emerging needs, policy directions, and areas for collective focus in the coming year.