State Policy
State Policy Development
Given the current political and economic climate, most legislators, policy analysts, and advocates are focused on the impact of federal and state budget cuts. TACHC believes that budget conversations provide an opportunity to focus on implementing innovative strategies that will both save money and improve health outcomes. With this in mind, TACHC identified several key policy priorities on which to concentrate its efforts during the 82nd state legislative session. These priorities focus on the need for broad systemic improvements in the healthcare system – from how an individual patient receives treatment to the education system that trains medical providers. Taken separately, each of our priorities will both achieve cost savings and improve health outcomes. Together, our priorities will put Texas on the path toward a sustainable, innovative and affordable healthcare system. To read more about TACHC's policy priorities and to learn how the legislative session turned out, click here.
State Policy Analysis & Implementation
TACHC's policy analysis extends well beyond the state legislative session. TACHC works with health centers to understand not only the steps centers must take to implement new legislation, but also what newly enacted policies mean for centers and their patients.
TACHC monitors the activities of state agencies, including the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). TACHC analyzes the impact of all proposed and final rules issued by these agencies, circulates relevant information to its member centers, and works with centers to ensure they are in compliance with state requirements.
One example of how TACHC is currently working with health centers to understand and implement policy change includes the statewide Medicaid managed care expansion. For more information on this, visit our Medicaid managed care information page.
