AUSTIN, Texas - The federal government has agreed to restore nearly $12 billion in Medicaid funding to Texas hospitals, Gov. Greg Abbott said Thursday.

What they're saying: "This funding is a major victory for Texas patients," Abbott said.

"It authorizes nearly $12 billion for hospitals, physicians, rural clinics, nursing facilities, and behavioral health providers that serve patients in every region of our state. Emergency rooms will stay open, rural families will retain local care, and Texans will have access to the treatment they need. I thank CMS and the Trump Administration for helping ensure Texans get the medical care they need." Why you should care: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid halted funds at the beginning of the state's new fiscal year, Sept. 1. The fight centered on questions over how Texas taxes its hospitals to generate the state's share needed to receive federal matching funds.