Texas House Bill HCR103

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Caption

Expressing support for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's application to the Cell and Gene Therapy Access Model through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and its Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation.

Impact

The resolution points to the financial challenges faced by state Medicaid programs due to the high upfront costs associated with these innovative therapies. By supporting the CGT Access Model, Texas seeks to engage in a framework that allows for price negotiations tied to treatment outcomes. This model is expected to enhance access for Medicaid beneficiaries while also providing technical assistance and funding from CMS to help manage costs and improve health services.

Summary

HCR103 expresses support for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission in its application to participate in the Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Access Model through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This concurrent resolution highlights the transformative potential of cell and gene therapies for individuals suffering from rare and severe diseases. The bill underscores how these treatments can address underlying health conditions, potentially alleviating symptoms and reducing reliance on extensive healthcare services over time.

Contention

While the bill enjoys broad support, discussions around it may center on concerns regarding the sustainability of funding for these therapies and the effectiveness of the proposed outcomes-based agreements. Critics could question whether the model will indeed lower costs without compromising the quality of care or access for patients. There may also be apprehension about the implementation of such agreements and their influence on treatment availability as manufacturers and states negotiate the terms of participation in this model.