Editorial: Dear Abbott: Remember this program?
Express-News Editorial Board
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For years, Texans have called for the Medicaid expansion, as seen in this 2019 rally. Could the Biden administration finally force the state’s hand?Stephen Spillman / Contributor
In its last days, the Trump administration granted Texas a 10-year extension for its Medicaid program, which was set to expire Sept. 30, 2022. The agreement, known as the 1115 waiver, reimburses hospitals for uncompensated treatment of uninsured patients and pays for other health care, including uncompensated care for low-income Texans.
The extension would have given the state about $11.4 billion a year through September 2030. However, that came to a halt last week when the Biden administration, through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, rescinded the extension, saying it hadn’t gone through “the full federal rulemaking process,” including a public comment period.