What Legislators Need to Do
5 steps for Texas:
From Texas' Top 5 Key Steps to Make the Most of Health Reform (CPPP)
1) Build a Good Exchange
The legislature must act this session if we want a state-based exchange. This will allow us the ability to decide the structure, governance, and function of a Texas-based exchange. Without legislative action Texas will defer to a federal exchange.
2) Bolster Texas’ Health Care Workforce
Texas does not have enough health care professionals to provide quality, timely care to urban or rural Texans. We must plan for and build the health workforce and the delivery sites demanded by our growing population and this new legislation.
3) Build Modern, Efficient Enrollment Systems
The Texas Medicaid enrollment system must have sufficient staff and technical capacity to ensure seamless interoperability with the exchange from 2014 forward.
4) Update Texas’ Revenue System
Texas must build capacity for its new and expanded roles: insurance regulation, consumer assistance, a health insurance exchange, workforce development, and Medicaid enrollment.
5) Improve Quality and Slow Growth in Costs
Texas should pursue pilot programs and demonstrations aimed at improving health outcomes and care coordination, reducing hospital readmissions and medical errors, increasing provider accountability and the cost-effectiveness of care, and encouraging prevention and wellness.
