Central Health Budgets $434M for Healthcare Delivery | The Locally Times

Central Health's Fiscal Year 2026 budget allocates $433,984,684 to healthcare delivery, an investment coinciding with a projected $64 increase in the average Travis County homestead property tax bill. This significant allocation for healthcare services represents the largest unrestricted expense category within the district's financial plan, as detailed in the FY26 Approved Budget and Uses Summary. The $433,984,684 dedicated to healthcare delivery supports this objective, forming the core of the district's operational spending. This figure is part of the total unrestricted expenses, which amount to $552,399,333 for the fiscal year, as detailed in the FY26 Approved Budget and Uses Summary. ## Funding Healthcare Through Property Taxes The primary funding mechanism for Central Health's operations, including the substantial healthcare delivery budget, is property taxes. The FY26 Approved Budget indicates that property taxes are projected to generate $378,061,940, making them the largest source of unrestricted revenue for the district. Total unrestricted revenue is listed at $420,385,945. For Fiscal Year 2026, Central Health's tax rate is set at 11.8023 cents per $100 valuation. This funding structure directly impacts Travis County homeowners. The average taxable homestead value in Travis County for FY26 is estimated at $515,433. The reliance on property taxes underscores the direct financial connection between the district's spending priorities and the financial obligations of county residents. ## Detailed Allocations for Care The $433,984,684 allocated for healthcare delivery is distributed across a range of services designed to meet diverse community needs. The FY26 Approved Budget for Healthcare Delivery outlines two main categories: Network Healthcare Services and Direct Healthcare Services. Network Healthcare Services account for a significant portion of the budget, with $210,918,258 designated for Purchased Healthcare Services. This category also includes substantial allocations for primary care, encompassing medical, dental, and behavioral health services, totaling $103,446,258. Specialty care, including specialty dental, receives $37,348,000, while specialty behavioral health is allocated $40,274,000. Other network services include $19,500,000 for Pharmacy, $9,350,000 for Post Acute Care, and $1,000,000 for the Community Health Care Initiatives Fund. Direct Healthcare Services represent specific clinical offerings provided directly by Central Health. Notable allocations in this area include $11,598,960 for Transitions of Care and $10,659,5xx for Medical Respite. Other direct services include $4,266,275 for Gastroenterology, $3,221,828 for Psychiatry & Addiction Care, $2,442,156 for Cardiology, and $2,364,183 for Podiatry. Allocations also cover Therapy and Counseling at $2,115,947, Pulmonology at $1,915,923, and Rheumatology at $2,041,389. Smaller amounts are budgeted for Endocrinology ($883,764), Nephrology ($1,449,087), Neurology ($354,559), Palliative Care ($1,027,374), Pharmacy ($2,980,011), and Physical Medicine & Rehab ($270,771). These detailed breakdowns illustrate the breadth of services Central Health plans to support with the allocated funds. ## Broader Financial Context and Contingency Central Health's overall financial plan for Fiscal Year 2026 includes total available resources of $875,118,987. The total approved budget for all expenses is $555,939,500. After accounting for all expenses, the budget includes an appropriated contingency reserve balance of $319,179,488. The financial documents also list specific reserves, including $12,000,000 for the Public Health Center Reserve and $68,165,232 for Emergency Reserves. While the budget details significant expenditures for healthcare delivery, the provided documents do not specify the exact number of individuals or patient encounters these funds are intended to serve. ## Key Questions **How much will my property taxes increase?** The average taxable homestead property tax bill in Travis County is projected to increase by $64 for Fiscal Year 2026, reaching $608.33 on an average taxable homestead value of $515,433. **What is the total budget for Central Health in FY26?** Central Health's total approved budget for Fiscal Year 2026 is $555,939,500 in expenses, supported by available resources totaling $875,118,987, which includes a significant contingency reserve. **Where can I find the detailed budget information?** The detailed FY26 Approved Budget and Tax Rate information, including the Uses Summary and Sources Summary, is available on the Central Health Finance department's section of its website.