Public health care costs are rising in Texas… as a matter of fact.. to the tune of about $1.3 billion over the next two years reports the Texas Tribune.
As you take a look at the Senate’s budget, here’s a look at the health care issues lawmakers will be struggling with for the next four months.
1. Less help from the feds. Even though the federal government’s contribution is going down slightly, that’s a big change in a budget that insures 4.1 million Texans. The current reduction means Texas will have to pay out almost $750 million more over the next two years.
2. Medicaid keeps growing. The expected growth of $1.3 billion in the next two years doesn’t include inflation. The main reason for the increase is more Medicaid enrollees.
3. Conservatives are wary of any kind of spending growth. Budget hawks are in dismay about one section of the legislative budget estimates: the comparison between health care and education.
4. Health agency consolidation might save money, but not much. Lawmakers are considering consolidating the state’s five health agencies into one “mega agency” this year.
More information to help you understand the Texas health care budget are available from the Texas Tribune.
