THA Statement on Event with Governor, U.S. Senators Regarding Medicaid Expansion

CHICAGO, April 1 -- Texas Hospital Association issued the following news release:

The following statement may be attributed Dan Stultz, M.D., FACHE, FACP, THA President/CEO:

"We appreciate Governor Perry and U.S. Senators Cornyn and Cruz for their willingness to consider innovative, flexible solutions to serving the Medicaid population. We also believe the federal Affordable Care Act provides a more expeditious pathway to reform short of waiting on the federal government to approve a state block grant of the entire program.

"Currently, a quarter of our state's residents are uninsured, putting pressure on Texas employers and their employees to cover uncompensated care costs through higher private health insurance premiums. It is vital that our state decrease its rate of uninsured by expanding coverage. The current opportunity to work with the federal government to create a Texas solution using Medicaid expansion funding will create greater access to health care for working Texans, many of whom are gainfully employed but cannot afford health care coverage in the private market.

"Taking this step to reform Medicaid would get more Texans the preventive care they need before an emergency arises. This would help relieve the stress on emergency rooms that often are faced with patients in need of routine care. In addition, it would help get workers back on their feet faster as their access to quality care improves.

"Although Texas hospitals recognize concerns with the current Medicaid program, Texas is a national leader for its work with the state to move most of the acute care program into a private-market managed care model. This ensures access to primary care services and better care management. Additionally, the Medicaid 1115 Transformation Waiver provides incentives for hospitals to invest in primary care and mental health capacity in their communities that will improve access to quality care and divert costly inappropriate emergency room utilization. These reforms put Texas in a good position to effectively utilize Medicaid expansion funds as a bridge to wider reform efforts. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has shown its desire and ability to be flexible to unique solutions, and Texas should take the opportunity to develop a Texas solution that truly meets the needs of Texas patients, physicians, and hospitals.

"In the end, Medicaid expansion is the right thing to do for Texas: a recent survey of Texas voters shows a strong majority say they would vote to re-elect a state legislator who votes FOR Medicaid expansion.

"Texas hospitals urge Governor Perry and Texas leaders to allow for expansion in Texas."

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