Health Care Advocate: June 29, 2023

Submit Comments to CMS to Oppose Harmful Directed Payment Rule This week, THA is urging members to act, once again, to protect Medicaid payments by telling the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to withdraw a harmful proposal that would limit total amounts available under directed payment programs and restrict states’ ability to draw down federal Medicaid dollars. CMS’s…

Alert: Act Now to Urge CMS to Withdraw Harmful Directed Payment Proposals

Issue:Once again, the stability of the Texas hospital industry is in jeopardy, as a proposed federal rule aims to severely limit states’ ability to draw down critical federal Medicaid payments. The proposed rule – called Medicaid and CHIP Managed Care Access, Finance, and Quality – was recently issued by the Centers Medicare & Medicaid Services. The effort is the latest…

Health Care Advocate: June 22, 2022

Table of Contents Governor Signs the Last of THA’s Bills into Law The last trickle of legislative news comes after the June 18 bill veto deadline as Gov. Abbott signed Senate Bill 25 and SB 1624 into law on Sunday. Sen. Lois Kolkhorst’s (R-Brenham) SB 25 provides support for postsecondary nursing education including funding for grant, scholarship, and loan repayment…

Alert: THA Offering Help on Complex New Itemized-Billing Law

A significant change in Texas law on hospitals’ ability to collect payment from patients passed during the just-completed regular session of the Texas Legislature, and THA has released a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document to help Texas hospitals understand and comply with the new law. Contact: Jennifer Banda, J.D., senior vice president, advocacy & public policy, 512/465-1046, [email protected] O’Neil, advisor,…

Alert: THA Releases Its End-of-Session Report for Hospitals

THA’s end-of-session report summarizing the 88th legislative session and outcomes for Texas hospitals is available now. Contact: Jennifer Banda, J.D., senior vice president, advocacy & public policy, 512/465-1046, [email protected] O’Neil, advisor, government relations & HOSPAC, 512/465-1507, [email protected] The report provides key insights into the politics and policies shaping Texas health care, including THA’s efforts to dismantle an assortment of bad…