The Consequences

The ripple effect of the proposed state budget cuts will touch every Texan. Each $1 billion in state funding cuts for local hospitals, doctors and nurses will result in more than $1 billion in costs to taxpayers and consumers in higher local taxes, lost matching funds that are ultimately made up through higher insurance rates, lost productivity from sick workers, and lost revenues from slower economic growth. On the contrary, economic studies show that adequate funding of local hospitals, doctors and nurses can result in savings that are several times greater than what the state spends or invests.
 
State Budget Cuts Will Cost Us All Now – and Long Term
State spending cuts to local hospitals, doctors and nurses will lead to a loss of federal matching dollars, higher costs to those who purchase insurance, more uncompensated care for hospitals and clinics, and job losses. 

Cuts Mean Longer Wait Times for Treatment  
State spending cuts to local hospitals, doctors and nurses mean longer wait times to be treated.

Cuts at the State Level Will Shift Costs to Local Taxpayers
Cuts to state funding for local hospitals, doctors and nurses will result in a shift of costs to the local level, requiring counties to raise local taxes to fund more of the cost of treating patients.

Texas Will Lose Federal Matching Funds
When Texas leaves federal matching health care dollars on the table, taxes paid by Texans are used to support health care in other states, like New York, Massachusetts and California.

Cuts Will Mean a Loss of Local Jobs
State budget cuts to local health care providers will result in some doctors, nurses and hospital workers losing their jobs, which affects other businesses and jobs in the community.