TEHP Applauds Congresswoman Escobar’s Efforts to Restore Hospital Safety Net

EL PASO – Texas Essential Healthcare Partnerships (TEHP) today applauded Congresswoman Veronica Escobar’s efforts to restore funding for Texas’ hospital safety net that has been frozen because of the stalemate between Texas and the federal government over the Medicaid 1115 waiver.

Due to the negotiations over the waiver, funding supplied from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for Texas’ Directed Payment Programs (DPPs), which support provision of basic healthcare functions for low-income patients in Texas, has been frozen since September 1. These DPPs are vital to assisting those in Texas’ border regions.

In her letter to HHS Secretary Becerra and CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure, Congresswoman Escobar states that, “CMS and HHSC must come to an agreement on a short-term solution while continuing to work to establish a sustainable demonstration waiver renewal. While over a million uninsured Texans may gain access to coverage as a result of Democrats’ unwavering commitment to expanding health care coverage in the state, over 3 million will remain uninsured, making these funding sources still critical to ensuring access to care and needed resources. The health and well-being of Texas’ Medicaid and uninsured individuals depend on CMS and HHSC reaching a resolution to preserve our safety net.”

“Congresswoman Escobar is the latest Texas leader to speak out in support of the Lone Star State’s hospital safety net, and TEHP is grateful for her efforts,’ said TEHP President, Don Lee. “Without it, vulnerable Texans will be left without vital healthcare services. It is imperative that the federal government heed the words of the Congresswoman and immediately restore this critical funding.”
To read the Congresswoman’s letter, click here.