“The good news is that the waiver remains in place through at least Sept. 30, 2022, giving the state and stakeholders plenty of time to resubmit a waiver that reflects the best path forward for Texas while protecting crucial funding for our hospitals and health systems.
“The Governor, the Legislature and stakeholders across the state should look at this as an opportunity to get an even better deal for Texas and Texans; one that pulls down more federal dollars, helps more vulnerable Texans by increasing health coverage options, and continues to keep our hospital whole.
“It is also important to remember that the waiver was always intended to serve as a temporary bridge until the state implemented a coverage option–with federal Medicaid expansion funds–for low-wage workers whose jobs don’t provide health insurance.
“Now would be a good time to have a real conversation about Medicaid expansion in the current legislative session.”
–Patrick Bresette, CEO, Children’s Defense Fund-Texas
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