TEXAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

BUD · Budget/Appropriations

Educated congressional offices about the importance of Medicaid and supplemental funding to Texas Children's Hospital, including how the proposed CMS rule on state directed payments will negatively impact children's hospitals in Texas. Shared a copy of the letter Texas Children's sent to CMS regarding the proposed rules. Advocated for continued federal funding for pediatric medical research.

HCR · Health Issues

Advocated that lawmakers prevent proposals that jeopardize childrens access to care including: Opposing site neutral policies, including eliminating facility fees or other policies that reduce support for, and would have a negative impact on, pediatric care. And protecting the 340B program from changes that could impede childrens hospitals ability to serve low-income, uninsured, and underinsured pediatric patients. Discussed hospital nonprofit status and community benefit requirements. Educated lawmakers and staff about Texas Children's Community Benefits program and highlighted our investment in charity care for vulnerable patients.

MMM · Medicare/Medicaid

Advocated for continued support for Medicaid and supplemental funding for Texas Children's Hospital. Sent letter to CMS noting the detrimental impact the proposed rule on state-directed payments could have on children's hospitals in Texas. Shared the letter with Texas congressional offices and continued to emphasize the negative impacts of a potential cost-based approach to capping state-directed payments.

MED · Medical/Disease Research/Clinical Labs

Educated lawmakers and congressional staff about the importance of enhancing the NIH pediatric research infrastructure. Highlighted the importance of continued federal funding for pediatric research as a way to advance lifesaving care for future generations.