'Texas needs a long-term strategy to support the uninsured,' Johnson says

In an 80-68 vote, the Texas House of Representatives rejected a piece of legislation that would have expanded the pool of individuals who are eligible for Medicaid coverage in the state.

The budget amendment in question would have directed Gov. Greg Abbott and state health officials to use federal funds in order to provide coverage to Texans who do not qualify for Medicaid, but who also do not make enough to afford insurance on their own, according to coverage by the Texas Tribune. 

“The current 1115 waiver was never meant to be a long-term solution,” Rep. Julie Johnson (D-Farmers Branch) said in a Tweet. “Texas needs a long-term strategy to support the uninsured, the economy and the workforce. As #TXlege members, it is incumbent upon us to set Texans up for success and to prioritize the issue.”

The state’s existing Medicaid 1115 waiver, which provides funding for uncompensated care in the absence of a Medicaid expansion, was rescinded by the Centers for Medicaid Services based on a failure to provide adequate reasoning for the requested exemption from public notice and comment requirements, according to State of Reform. The state’s current waiver expires on Sept. 30, 2022.

“By rescinding this waiver extension, the Biden administration is obstructing healthcare access for vulnerable Texans and taking away crucial resources for rural hospitals in Texas,” Abbott was quoted as saying by State of Reform. “The State of Texas spent months negotiating this agreement with the federal government to ensure vital funds for hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health resources for Texans who are uninsured.”

An article from the Austin-American Statesman that Johnson shared indicated that an expansion of Medicaid in Texas would make an additional $9 billion over the next two years available to the state.

During a press conference ahead of the vote, Rep. Garnet Coleman (D-Houston) was hopeful they would be able to get the amendment passed, according to coverage by The Texan.

“Texas has the highest number and highest percentage of uninsured people, and COVID-19 caused 659,000 more to lose their health insurance,” Coleman was quoted as saying by The Texan.