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, [email protected] 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, [email protected] 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, [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…

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, [email protected] Duncan, J.D, vice president,…

Alert: Stop Government Rate-Setting in State Health Plans

Issue:A bill that would allow the government to set hospital payment rates for state health plans is in danger of soon coming before a vote by the full Texas House of Representatives. THA urgently needs your help to stop it. Contact: Jennifer Banda, J.D., senior vice president, advocacy & public policy, 512/465-1046, [email protected] Duncan, J.D, vice president, advocacy & public…

Alert: Oppose Telemedicine Payment Ban in Access-Destroying Bill

Issue:The troubling bill banning hospital outpatient payments that THA has been warning you about for weeks now is taking aim at outlawing payments for telemedicine services – both on and off a hospital campus. THA once again needs your help to stop this ever-evolving legislation. Contact: Jennifer Banda, J.D., senior vice president, advocacy & public policy, 512/465-1046, [email protected] Duncan, J.D,…

Alert: Take Action to Save Hospital Payments for Outpatient Care

Issue:It’s back, and once again, THA needs your help to stop it: a Texas bill that would outlaw hospital payments provided for care off the hospital’s campus, posing a grave threat to the future of outpatient clinics across the state. Contact: Jennifer Banda, J.D., senior vice president, advocacy & public policy, 512/465-1046, [email protected] Duncan, J.D, vice president, advocacy & public…