Texas continues to have the highest rate of uninsured in the nation, and with the enactment of federal health care reform, the state will face many infrastructure and budget challenges with its implementation. Some 70 percent of Texans are at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level, and potentially will be eligible for Medicaid or government subsidies. Hospitals are major employers in the state, and workforce needs will grow as demand for services increases among those newly covered. At the same time, the Texas Legislature will face a significant deficit when it convenes again in 2011. Sound health care policies will be more important than ever.

Among the key issues important to Texas hospitals and the communities they serve:

• Ensuring affordable, accessible health care coverage for all;
• Ensuring patient safety/quality;
• Growing the health care workforce;
• Maintaining adequate reimbursement for providers;
• Protecting rural hospitals;
• Preserving medical liability reform;
• Investing in a strong trauma network and emergency readiness; and
• Supporting advances in technology to improve quality and lower costs.

To learn more, view THA’s key priority issues.