Children’s Health Care Hero Awards

CHAT’s first honoree of the Children’s Health Care Lifetime Achievement Award.

Awarded on June 18, 2024, for his outstanding, lifelong dedication to supporting the health of children across the country.

Authored, sponsored, or supported healthcare legislation that reduced costs, enhanced healthcare access, supported innovation, strengthened the healthcare workforce and ultimately improved health outcomes.

Sponsored the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, which strengthened Medicare access without adding to the deficit.

Supported funding to train pediatricians and pediatrician specialists also helped ensure children have timely access to care.

Read his press release.

Awarded on August 17, 2024, for his work in the legislature advocating to improve healthcare for children. Senator Hinojosa remains a strong advocate for children on Medicaid and CHIP and the members of his district.

Filed Senate Bill 1365 to provide grants to children’s hospitals to expand access to mental health services. A version of that bill and $15 million in funding were included in Senate Bill 30.

Co-sponsored HB 12, which provides Medicaid coverage to women for 12 months after they give birth. This change ensures that mothers can access regular check-ups, mental health support, and screenings for potential complications. We know that healthy moms are essential for healthy kids.

Read his press release.

Awarded on November 4, 2021, for his outstanding contributions and support of children’s healthcare initiatives.

Authored and worked to pass legislation that ensures children in Texas are able to keep their Medicaid eligibility and receive access to the health care each Texas child deserves.

Read his press release.

Awarded on November 16, 2022, for her work as the senate sponsor of House Bill 133, which allows moms to keep their Medicaid coverage for six months after childbirth as opposed to two months.

Assisted in passing six-month continuous eligibility for children in Medicaid and The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) as part of end-of-session bill negotiations.

Authored Senate Bill 809, which ensures transparency into COVID-19 federal funds provided to healthcare institutions.

Read her press release.

Read her media coverage from KWHI-TV and The Colorado County Citizen.