Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Texas Cuts To Medicaid Outpatient Therapy Services Still A Flashpoint
Dallas Morning News: Texas Senate Leaders: $350 Million Cut To Medicaid Therapy Is Goal, Not Requirement
The Texas Senate’s GOP leaders have told state social services officials that a state budget provision requiring reductions in Medicaid spending on outpatient therapy services sets a dollar amount for a goal. But that isn’t an absolute requirement, and disabled children’s access always was supposed to be considered, even if it keeps the savings from hitting the goal, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Senate Finance Committee Chairwoman Jane Nelson said publicly on Wednesday. (Garrett, 9/30)
Texas Tribune: Amid Lawsuit, Patrick Defends Medicaid Cuts To Therapy
Amid an ongoing lawsuit over deep cuts that lawmakers made this year to a therapy program for children with disabilities, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Wednesday offered a sternly worded defense of the Legislature’s move. (Walters, 9/30)
Kansas Health Institute: Disability Community Abuzz About Waiver Integration
Advocates for elderly and disabled Kansans are anxiously awaiting the publication of the state’s plan to combine seven Medicaid waivers into one. The waivers currently provide home and community-based services for people within a range of support categories, including developmental disability, physical disability, traumatic brain injury or frail/elderly. (Marso, 9/30)
