State health officials met Tuesday to propose options for additional budget cuts to meet a 15 percent reduction mandated by Texas leaders.

It's in anticipation of what could be an $18 billion budget shortfall.

Texas physicians warned drastic cuts could hurt future health care in the state.

"In the long run it could be a bigger problem with more things cut today for future problems. Things like HIV, tuberculosis, is the major thing, but even immunization for children could be cut back," Dr. John Asbury said. Dr. Asbury is a pediatrician from Temple who was asked to speak on behalf of the Texas Medical Association, the Texas Pediatric Society, and the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.

Along with immunizations, doctors and other health experts spoke out Tuesday about encouraging state officials to not drastically cut such programs as substance abuse intervention and community mental health services.

Click here to view a presentation of all the possible budget cuts.