Health Insurance Sustainability
Summary
Laredo's health department is rolling out a new program, Vida Plena, to help residents fight big health problems like diabetes and obesity. It's your chance to get personalized coaching, join support groups, and even hit the gym to get on the path to a healthier you.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 21
- Last 30 days
- 1
Last discussed Jun 11, 2026.
Impact analysis
Involves a projected $12.4 million healthcare cost increase and adjustments to employee premium contributions.
City employees and retirees who receive stabilized health coverage options without extreme out-of-pocket spikes.
City taxpayers or the municipal budget if the healthcare fund runs a deficit requiring interfund borrowing.
Mentions & discussions (27)
Laredo dispatchers, mental health advocates work to prevent suicide
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Emergency calls pour in around the clock for Laredo Police Department dispatchers.Andrea Flores, communications manager at the dispatch center, said her crew hears hundreds of calls a mont...
Laredo receives $685K to continue autism research
U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar on Sept. 8, 2026, at the Laredo Public Health auditorium. David Gomez Jr. /Laredo Morning TimesThe city of Laredo will receive more than $685,000 in federal funding to continue studying ...
Laredo proclaims Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Laredo officials, mental health advocates and community partners gather in City Hall chambers on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, after proclaiming September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.Maria Ruiz/Laredo Mor...
Laredo library launches Sensory Saturdays for families with sensory needs
The Barbara Fasken Library, located at 15201 Cerralvo Drive.Courtesy/Laredo Public LibraryLaredo Public Libraries is introducing a new Sensory Saturdays program, offering select after-hours sessions designed fo...
HIV care grant brings more than $310K to Laredo
U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar on Sept. 4, 2026, at Laredo Public Health. David Gomez Jr. /Laredo Morning TimesA federal grant of more than $310,000 will help the city of Laredo continue providing HIV care and support...
Rep. Cuellar announces $300K in federal funding for Webb County HIV care
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - More than 500 people are living with HIV in Webb County. Federal funding announced Friday, Sept. 4, will go toward growing local resources available to them.More than $300,000 in federal f...
Laredo mayor signs resolution putting pediatric care referendum on November ballot
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A step has been taken to bring a pediatric health care advisory vote to Laredo ballots this fall.On Monday, Aug. 31, a representative from the Laredo Mayor’s office confirmed that Resoluti...
Laredo nursing students react to pediatric services ballot question
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Laredo Mayor Victor Trevino signed a resolution placing a nonbinding question on the November ballot asking voters whether the city should expand pediatric hospital services.Four Texas A&a...
Webb County launches Meals on Wheels program to help feed seniors’ pets
Ann Smith, 68, is glad to receive food supplies for her four month old cat, Poo Poo, through the Interfaith Ministries' Meals on Wheels program on Monday, Aug. 6, 2012, in Houston. The Webb County Community Act...
Laredo wastewater testing shows rise in COVID
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Wastewater testing shows COVID-19 is increasing in Laredo, according to health officials.Laredo Public Health Director Dr. Richard Chamberlain said anyone feeling sick should stay home to ...
Laredo wastewater testing shows high cocaine levels, drop in fentanyl
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A check of Laredo’s wastewater is showing health officials cocaine levels among the highest in the country.A newsletter from the Office of National Drug Control Policy is highlighting Lare...
Laredo workshop to explain respite care for children with special needs
Photo inside of the Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library on July 28, 2025. David Gomez Jr./Laredo Morning Times The Laredo Public Health Department is inviting parents and caregivers of children with special hea...
New WIC cards allow benefit loading, freezing through app
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The Texas WIC program in Laredo has begun allowing participants to load their benefits online after an initial in-person visit, according to Aryana Valdez with Laredo Public Health.Valdez ...
City Council — June 11, 2026
The city faced a massive $12.4 million shortfall in its healthcare fund due to rising medical and prescription costs. Council members debated how to split the financial burden between the city and employees without severely cutting take-home pay or depleting reserve funds.
City Council — May 21, 2026
The city is facing a $12.4 million deficit in its health insurance fund. Council is weighing options to keep the plan sustainable without placing an undue burden on employees and retirees.
New program aims to improve local health outcomes
Pictured is the sign inside the Laredo Public Health Department, located at 2600 Cedar Ave.Jose De La Rosa/Laredo Morning TimesThe Laredo Public Health Department is set to launch Vida Plena (Full Life):...
City Council — April 20, 2026
The city is struggling with rising homelessness and needs a better way to help people while keeping public spaces safe. They are now pushing for a local mental health facility to provide real help instead of just jail time.
‘Autism is not for the weak’: City acknowledges gaps on Autism Awareness Month
‘Autism is not for the weak’: City acknowledges gaps on Autism Awareness Month Laredo Morning Times
Mayor addresses health efforts as Laredo ranked among unhealthiest in country
Mayor addresses health efforts as Laredo ranked among unhealthiest in country Laredo Morning Times
Planning & Zoning Commission — April 2, 2026
The city is launching a mobile health initiative to bring screenings and preventive care directly to neighborhoods, making it easier for residents to access health services.
City Council — March 25, 2026
The city's health insurance fund is facing a multi-million dollar deficit, leading to proposals for higher premiums for employees. Council members are looking for ways to cut costs without hurting employees' ability to get care.
Planning & Zoning Commission — March 19, 2026
Laredo health officials and the Mayor highlighted the ongoing threat of tuberculosis in our border region, emphasizing that early detection, community education, and binational cooperation are essential to keeping residents safe.
City Council — February 2, 2026
Mayor Treviño highlighted Laredo's severe shortage of primary care physicians and called on Webb County leaders to explore creating a tax-supported county hospital district to expand indigent and specialty healthcare services.
City Council — January 20, 2026
Council discussed the severe shortage of pediatric intensive care services in Laredo and planned a February workshop to explore solutions, including county partnership and the creation of a hospital district.
City of Laredo Expands Free Public Naloxone Access to Ten Locations
City of Laredo Expands Free Public Naloxone Access to Ten Locations city of Laredo TX
Laredo Public Health Unveils Narcan Cabinets Across the City
Laredo Public Health Unveils Narcan Cabinets Across the City City of Laredo, TX
A Texas City Mandates People Wear Masks in Public or Face $1,000 Fines
A Texas City Mandates People Wear Masks in Public or Face $1,000 Fines Time Magazine
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