Texas Essential Healthcare Partnerships (TEHP) today released a statement following the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) hearing on the Extension Application for the 1115 Transformation Waiver. Texas asked the federal government to renew the waiver in late 2020, and the federal government granted that renewal for 10 years on January 15, 2021. Citing a lack of public comment, the new administration rescinded that extension in April. TEHP President, Don Lee, released the following statement:

“It is time for all parties to come together and focus on patients and what is best for Texas. That is exactly what HHSC is seeking to accomplish today as they rectify administrative errors in the 1115 extension application by soliciting public comment, and TEHP applauds them for this effort.

“TEHP also calls on the state and federal government to work together to enroll more Texans in comprehensive health coverage and reduce the number of uninsured, and this waiver will help achieve that. Texas should be willing to negotiate certain aspects of the waiver, such as the 10-year term and maintaining the budget neutrality calculation. In return, the federal government should grant the extension and provide robust funding for the uncompensated care pool to ensure the nearly 4 million Texans who rely on this are covered.”