June 3, 2021
ACTION REQUESTED:
Use THA’s template letter or key messages to provide public comments in support of HHSC’s Medicaid 1115 Waiver extension application.
CONTACT:
John Hawkins, senior vice president of government relations, 512/465-1505
Jennifer Banda, J.D., vice president of advocacy, public policy & political strategy, 512/465-1046
Richard Schirmer, vice president of policy analysis, 512/465-1056
Anna Stelter, senior director of policy analysis, 512/465-1556
Issue:
A high volume of positive comments are needed to support the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s recently resubmitted Medicaid 1115 Waiver extension application. Following the federal government’s recent rescission of Texas’ waiver extension, HHSC requested another 10-year extension with the same special terms and conditions that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved in January. Hospital leaders can provide oral comment at the June 10 Medical Care Advisory Committee meeting and June 15 public hearing. Hospitals can provide written comments through June 28.
Action Requested:
Use THA’s template comment letter or key messages for your own letter in support of the waiver extension application. THA’s messaging underscores the importance of four key principles for the next waiver extension that are essential to ensure a strong health care safety net. Among them:
- A favorable budget neutrality determination.
- A strong hospital uncompensated care pool.
- Funding to support the behavioral health safety net.
- Comprehensive health care coverage for the uninsured.
Email your comment letter to [email protected] by June 28.
Background:
In April, CMS rescinded Texas’ 10-year waiver extension, worth $100 billion, that the Trump administration approved in January. Although the existing waiver and its uncompensated care pool remain in effect through Sept. 30, 2022, the state faces a severe and imminent “fiscal cliff” without an extension in place. THA is educating state and federal leaders and key stakeholders about hospitals’ priorities for the next extension and is working closely with HHSC, the Office of the Governor and the Texas Congressional delegation to expeditiously address the extension and protect the health care safety net. See the recent letter THA led, urging Gov. Greg Abbott to support hospitals’ waiver priorities in the upcoming extension negotiations. Additional information on the waiver rescission and THA’s action in response is available from www.tha.org/waiver.
According to Texas Government Code 305.027, portions of this material may be considered “legislative advertising.” Authorization for its publication is made by John Hawkins, Texas Hospital Association, 1108 Lavaca, Ste. 700, Austin, Texas 78701-2180.