We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to comment to the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) on the state's Transformation Waiver Extension Request and provide comments during public hearings.
We support the state’s proposal to maintain the Uncompensated Care pool for hospitals while also establishing a new funding pool for public health departments and mental health care providers.
But more must be done. Uncompensated Care funding is not a substitute for health coverage and comprehensive health care for low-wage Texans. The proposed 1115 Transformation Waiver Extension Request does not address Texas’ worst-in-the-nation uninsured rate. Texans deserve the dignity and healthy life that health coverage can provide in a way that just emergency care cannot.
We respectfully urge HHSC to amend the 1115 Transformation Waiver Extension Request to request approval of a Texas-style health coverage initiative to reduce the alarming uninsured rate and better meet the needs of low-wage Texas adults. HHSC should consider modifications before re-submitting the 1115 Transformation Waiver Extension Request to better meet the needs of Texans and achieve the goals of the Medicaid program.