Act TODAY – Tell Your U.S. Representative to Oppose Site-Neutral Payments, Repeal Safety-Net Cuts

Issue:This evening, the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on H.R. 5378, known as the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act. The sprawling 231-page bill contains pieces that are both valuable and detrimental to hospitals and health care. THA needs your voice TODAY to let your representative know the good and bad of this impactful legislation. (A summary of…

Itemized Billing Guidance Issued by HHSC

Today, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) issued a new guidance letter to assist providers in implementing Senate Bill 490 – the new legislation effective Sept. 1 that requires health care providers to issue itemized bills. Contact: Cameron Duncan, J.D., vice president, advocacy & public policy, 512/465-1539, cduncan@tha.orgHeather De La Garza, J.D., assistant general counsel, 512/465-1003, hdelagarza@tha.org HHSC’s…

Alert: THA’s 2023 Health Law Guidebook Now Available

The Texas Hospital Association’s 2023 New Health Care Laws is available now. Hospital leaders are encouraged to download the manual to stay up-to-date and comply with the new health care laws from the 2023 regular session of the Texas Legislature. Contact: Jennifer Banda, J.D., senior vice president, advocacy & public policy, 512/465-1046, jbanda@tha.orgSteve Wohleb, J.D., senior vice president/general counsel, legal…

Alert: Talk to Your Congressional Representatives About Key Hospital Issues in August

During August, hospital leaders have their best – and most convenient – opportunity to grab the ear of their representatives in Congress. THA encourages you to take advantage beginning next week. Contact: Jennifer Banda, J.D., senior vice president, advocacy & public policy, 512/465-1046, jbanda@tha.org Members of the Texas congressional delegation will be in their home districts for the August work…

Alert: DSHS Urges Hospital Awareness of Fungal Meningitis Outbreak

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has requested THA’s help in disseminating guidance to hospitals on the ongoing fungal meningitis outbreak tied to procedures in Mexico, including interim guidance for diagnostic testing and treatment from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Contact: Erika Ramirez, senior director, health policy, 512/465-1599, eramirez@tha.orgJennifer Banda, J.D., senior vice president, advocacy…

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…

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, jbanda@tha.orgJennifer 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, jbanda@tha.orgJennifer O’Neil, advisor, government relations & HOSPAC, 512/465-1507, joneil@tha.org The report provides key insights into the politics and policies shaping Texas health care, including THA’s efforts to dismantle an assortment of bad…

Alert: Join THA’s End of Session Member Call This Thursday, May 25

We’re just days away from the end of the 88th regular session of the Texas Legislature. Once the dust has (almost) settled on session, join THA’s End of Session Call for members this Thursday, May 25, at 10 a.m. CT. for a recap of the session in its waning days, covering outcomes for hospitals, what we can expect from state…

Alert: Tell House to OPPOSE Harmful Rate-Capping

Issue:The Texas Hospital Association urgently needs your help to stop House Bill 633 (Rep. James Frank), which is now set for consideration by the full Texas House of Representatives. HB 633 creates rate caps in the private market and de-incentivizes having health insurance. Contact: Jennifer Banda, J.D., senior vice president, advocacy & public policy, 512/465-1046, jbanda@tha.orgCameron Duncan, J.D, vice president,…