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Research Article Volume 14 Issue 1
Administrative burden as a social determinant affecting access to women’s health care: a policy analysis of eligibility documentation and single-visit reimbursement requirements
Peggy B Smith PhD, MA, Todd Ivey R MD, FACOG, Allyssa A Abacan PhD
Received: August 20, 2026 | Published: September 1, 2026
Citation: Smith PB, Ivey TR, FACOG, et al. Administrative burden as a social determinant affecting access to women’s health care: a policy analysis of eligibility documentation and single-visit reimbursement requirements. MOJ Women’s Health. 2026;14(1):46-50. DOI: 10.15406/mojwh.2026.14.00336
Abstract
Texas ranks near the bottom of national assessments of women’s health and reproductive care despite maintaining state-funded women’s health programs. This analysis examines whether administrative factors, rather than absence of appropriation, contribute materially to that outcome. Using a structured document synthesis, we drew on peer-reviewed studies conducted within a safety-net clinic system, institutional program records, and publicly available state and federal data. Two mechanisms were identified by which current administrative design appears to reduce service delivery to eligible populations. First, eligibility documentation requirements are misaligned with the needs of the population the programs are intended to serve. Second, reimbursement oriented toward a single access visit is incompatible with clinical standards that Texas has codified in statute for certain conditions. Six recommendations are advanced, three of which require no financial commitment. Limitations include derivation from a single clinic system in one metropolitan county and the absence of perinatal, sexually transmitted infection, and contraceptive continuation outcome data.
Keywords: administrative burden, Medicaid eligibility, women’s health, adolescent health, safety-net clinics, Healthy Texas Women, congenital syphilis, integrated behavioral health
©2026 Smith, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.