Texas’ Medicaid 1115 Waiver Extension Reinstated

(AUSTIN, Texas – April 22, 2022) – Today, THA President and CEO John Hawkins issued the following statement regarding today’s notice that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is withdrawing its rescission of the Texas 1115 Medicaid waiver extension. CMS indicates in today’s letter that continuing to litigate the issue is not an effective use of the federal government’s limited resources.

“This is a step forward for the health of Texas and brings some relief for hospitals and the patients they serve. Today’s decision creates certainty following months of ambiguity during an ongoing pandemic. While funding, staffing and COVID-19 continue to challenge hospitals, we look forward to having a solid foundation to work from and rebuild.

“The long-term health of our safety net must remain strong, and we will continue to underscore the need for coverage expansion, rates that more closely match the cost of care, and a stable uncompensated care pool. We look forward to continuing our close work with state and federal partners on the waiver and other programs to best suit the unique needs of Texas.”

About THA

Founded in 1930, the Texas Hospital Association is the leadership organization and principal advocate for the state’s hospitals and health care systems. Based in Austin, THA enhances its members’ abilities to improve accessibility, quality and cost-effectiveness of health care for all Texans. One of the largest hospital associations in the country, THA represents more than 650 of the state’s non-federal general and specialty hospitals and health care systems, which employ some 400,000 health care professionals statewide. Learn more about THA at www.tha.org or follow THA on Twitter at https://twitter.com/texashospitals.