government
Rising healthcare costs are straining Texas businesses as the Legislature seeks solutions
By Texas Tribune, Paul Cobler at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 6, 2026
· 11 min read
The expenses to operate three restaurants in Waco are rising across the board, but there’s one growing cost in particular that feels nearly impossible to manage — providing employee health insurance, co-owner Kyle Citrano said. “Every year, it can change on you in a heartbeat,” said Citrano, whos...
Key takeaway “Every year, it can change on you in a heartbeat,” said Citrano, whose family runs George’s, George’s #2 and Jorge’s Cantina.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
In Montgomery County, where Magnolia is located, the strain of rising healthcare costs on local businesses is likely to be felt deeply, given the area's strong presence of small to medium-sized employers. As the Texas Legislature seeks solutions to mitigate these costs, Magnolia's business owners will be watching closely to see how proposed measures might impact their ability to provide health insurance to employees. The fact that health insurance costs are projected to rise 9% nationally in 2026 will only add to the pressure on local businesses, many of which are already grappling with inflation and rising operating expenses. With a significant portion of Texans relying on employer-sponsored health plans, the Legislature's efforts to address this issue will have a direct impact on the well-being of Magnolia's residents and the local economy as a whole.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 11 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The expenses to operate three restaurants in Waco are rising across the board, but there’s one growing cost in particular that feels nearly impossible to manage — providing employee health insurance, co-owner Kyle Citrano said. “Every year, it can change on you in a heartbeat,” said Citrano, whos...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, Paul Cobler at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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