Texas House Bill HCR145

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Expressing the legislature's intent that the state negotiates an updated 1115 waiver with the federal government in a timely manner.

Impact

If successfully negotiated, the updated waiver could significantly impact state laws regulating healthcare access and funding. It aims to ensure continued federal support for healthcare programs without expanding Medicaid enrollment or creating a new entitlement budget. This aligns with conservative fiscal principles while addressing the critical healthcare needs of underinsured populations. The resolution signals a proactive approach by the state to protect healthcare resources, particularly for mental health centers and rural hospitals that could face increased uncompensated care without a new funding mechanism.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 145 (HCR145) expresses the intent of the Texas Legislature that the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) negotiate an updated 1115 waiver with the federal government in a timely manner. The 1115 waiver has been a critical mechanism for providing funding and flexibility in managing healthcare services within Texas, specifically targeted towards those who lack access to affordable health insurance. As the current agreement that facilitates approximately $3 billion in annual funding through the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) program concludes in 2021, the need for a new waiver solution becomes urgent to maintain a robust healthcare safety net for vulnerable populations, including those with mental health and substance abuse issues.

Contention

Although HCR145 emphasizes the importance of preserving a healthcare safety net, there may be varied opinions regarding how best to achieve this within the existing political and economic framework. Some advocates might argue for broader Medicaid expansion to cover more individuals while others may resist such measures due to budgetary concerns or ideological beliefs. The resolution's potential reliance on innovative private market-based solutions could spark further debate over the efficacy and accessibility of healthcare services for low-income families. As negotiations with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) progress, the Legislature's intent will be scrutinized closely by health advocacy groups, healthcare providers, and policymakers.