Parents and providers have voiced concern about the fate of $150 million cut on state funded Medicaid payments for disabled children's therapy. The outcome remains unclear as the proposed cut is being battled in the Texas Supreme Courts over its legitimacy. Senate Finance Committee chairwoman, Sen. Jane Nelson, along with Republican lawmakers, believe the state needs to cut back on healthcare spending in an attempt to save money by reducing "wasteful and fraudulent spending" within the healthcare system. Charles Smith, the executive commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services commission explained to the Senate Financial Committee that Texas Medicaid often pays more for therapy services than private health insurance, as well as, more than most other state's Medicaid programs. He predicted that a "reduction in payments would not cause a massive exodus of providers..." Parents and providers, however, are attempting to change the minds of the financial committee. They believe that the cut would be detrimental to the development of their children, and they claimed the disabled children may face setbacks without the benefits of such therapies as; speech, physical and occupational. In-home provider lobbyists have disputed Smith's claim that Medicaid pays more than other payers. Providers claimed the budget cut would drop their Medicaid revenues by 20 to 30 percent, which could lead to some children being denied services, and some providers have threatened to close. Parents testified that for medically fragile children, the budget cuts would do nothing but harm. Mayra Reyes spoke of her two-year old son, who was born with several brain conditions, and the amazing progress he has made due to his various therapies. She worries that the cuts threatened families like hers. In July the Supreme Court ruled that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission would not be allowed to cut any payments to therapy providers until the Justices conclude the ongoing court battle.
This article is important to read because the outcome could effect thousands of children and adults. It is interesting because the proposed healthcare cut is controversial and currently being debated within the Texas Supreme Court.
