Aug. 17, 2021
ACTION REQUESTED:
Use THA’s template comment letter or personalize the key messages for your own letter in support of the 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, which is now under the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ review. Hospitals that expressed support for the waiver during the state’s public comment period in June are encouraged to enter similar comments in the federal portal to reinforce Texas hospitals’ key messages to CMS officials.
Action Requested:
Use THA’s template comment letter or personalize the key messages for your own letter in support of the waiver extension application. THA’s letter 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.
Upload or paste your letter into the federal comment portal by 5 p.m. ET Aug. 30.
Background:
In April, CMS rescinded Texas’ 10-year, $100 billion waiver extension approved in January under the Trump administration. Texas has reapplied for an extension under the same terms and conditions approved in January and requested federal approval no later than Sept. 30. THA is continuing to educate federal leaders and key stakeholders about hospitals’ priorities for the waiver 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. In June, THA submitted comments, urging the state to advance hospitals’ waiver priorities in upcoming extension negotiations. THA also will submit a federal comment letter this month. 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.