Central Health

There are more than 200,000 residents of Travis County, almost 20% of the total population, without health insurance or access to health care. Central Health’s mission it to create access to essential health care services in order to improve the quality of life for those individuals, and the quality of life for everyone who lives in Travis County. Overview Travis County voters created Central Health in 2004. Founded as the Travis County Hospital District under Chapter 281 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, Central Health was established to provide access to health care for the un- and underinsured residents of Travis County. Central Health is funded through Travis County property taxes. Using these funds, Central Health has created a provider network through which health care services are purchased for eligible residents of Travis County – typically individuals at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. Central Health owns University Medical Center Brackenridge (UMCB), a nationally recognized Level 1 Trauma Center serving all Central Texas residents, which is leased to and operated by Seton Healthcare Family on behalf of Central Health and its mission. More than 90% of Central Health’s annual budget is used to contract with other entities to deliver and manage direct health care services, including those provided through UMCB, Seton Shoal Creek Hospital, and a large array of primary and specialty care providers that include three FQHC systems. A nine-member volunteer Board of Managers governs Central Health. The Austin City Council appoints four members, the Travis County Commissioners Court appoints an additional four, and both bodies jointly appoint the final member.