NEWS RELEASE

Date: August 31, 2004
Contact: Stephanie Goodman, (512) 424-6951

State Launches Two New Health and Human Services Agencies

Department of Aging and Disability Services, State Health Services Begin Operations Sept. 1

AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will launch two new agencies, three new Internet sites and a new hotline Sept. 1 as part of a revitalized structure that will lead to improved services and lower administrative costs.

“We now have an organizational structure in place that will support our efforts to make it easier for Texans to find services,” Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins said. “The consolidation of agencies also will generate administrative savings that can be redirected into services to help those in need.”

The reorganization is the result of House Bill 2292 from the 78th Texas Legislature. The legislation realigned similar functions of 12 existing health and human services agencies into four new departments under the oversight of the Health and Human Services Commission .

The final two new agencies – the Department of Aging and Disability Services and the Department of State Health Services – began consolidated operations today. The Department of Family and Protective Services became the first new agency created under the reorganization on Feb. 1. The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services began consolidated operations on March 1.

As part of the reorganization, the agencies will launch three Internet sites Sept. 1 to help Texans learn more about their programs and missions:

• www.hhs.state.tx.us – This site brings together information about the hundreds of programs offered by the state's health and human service agencies.
• www.dshs.state.tx.us – This Department of State Health Services website includes information about public health, mental health and substance abuse programs in the state.
• www.dads.state.tx.us – The new Department of Aging and Disability Services website provides information about services for older Texans and long-term care for people with physical disabilities and mental retardation.

In addition, HHSC has established a new hotline to provide the public with a centralized place to ask questions and register concerns about health and human services programs. The new number is 877-787-8999 or TDD 888-425-6889 for those with hearing impairments.

“These new information sources are just the first steps in our effort to make it easier for Texans to find out about our programs and services,” Hawkins said. “ We are building an efficient system designed around the consumer. Our goal is create convenient ways for people to access many services through a single point of contact.”

House Bill 2292 also gave HHSC several new duties, including centralized eligibility determination for Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families and long-term care services.

Another important aspect of the legislation was the creation of an Office of Inspector General to investigate fraud, abuse and waste in state health and human services programs. Since Sept. 1, 2003, the Inspector General's work has resulted in more than $250 million in recoupments for the state.

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