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April 23, 2024

4 Things You Didn’t Know About Texas Medicaid

Here’s the deal: Texas Medicaid managed care covers 4 million Texans with the tailored coverage, care coordination, and access…

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April 4, 2024

A Critical Gap: The Need for Stronger Health Care Fraud and Abuse Protections in Texas

Disturbing trend: The New York Times recently added to a series of reports unravelling the financial motives behind a…

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March 13, 2024

TAHP Strengthens its Team with Two Key Additions Ahead of Next Session

New Faces at TAHP: The Texas Association of Health Plans (TAHP) is thrilled to announce the addition of Greer…

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February 29, 2024

Texas Leads the Way: Top 5 Things You Should Know About Employer-Provided Coverage

Here’s the deal: Employer-provided coverage delivers high-quality, affordable access to care for nearly 14 million Texans, spanning across businesses…

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February 2, 2024

Good News: The No Surprises Act Protects Consumers from Over 10M Surprise Bills

What’s new: A recent AHIP and Blue Cross Blue Shield Association survey reveals the No Surprises Act (NSA) has prevented over 10…

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Blake Hutson

Director of Public Affairs

bhutson@tahp2.local

March 29, 2021

Medicaid Monday: Texas Medicaid MCOs Increase Access to Care

Access to care is an essential part of any health care delivery system, and the Texas Medicaid program is no exception. Like private health insurance, Texas Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) establish a network of providers to connect Texans to the personalized care and support they need to stay healthy and live the fullest lives possible. As a result, Medicaid managed care allows Texans on Medicaid to access and choose from a variety of doctors and hospitals in their area.

March 25, 2021

Press Release: TAHP Supports HB 2029 to Improve Health Care Access

AUSTIN – The Texas Association of Health Plans supports House Bill 2029, which was heard yesterday in the House Public Health Committee. The bill, by Chair Stephanie Klick, will remove unnecessary and outdated mandates that are preventing Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) from providing more health care access and options to Texas Patients.

March 24, 2021

HB 4 and SB 412 Provide Smart Telehealth Expansion

throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Texas health plans and Medicaid health plans have expanded access to care by encouraging and expanding telehealth services and waiving cost sharing, helping Texans receive the care they need from the safety of their homes. The crisis brought with it an explosion in the use of telehealth across Texas—regardless of patient age and type of health insurance. So far, telehealth appears to be fulfilling its promise as a significant part of the health care system.

March 16, 2021

TAHP Opposes HB 907: Don’t Eliminate Protections of Prior Authorization

The Texas Association of Health Plans opposes House Bill 907, which creates a new, unfunded health insurance mandate that prohibits preauthorization requirements for all drugs prescribed to treat a chronic or autoimmune disease. This would eliminate most prior authorizations for prescription drugs. HB 907 is scheduled to be heard in the House Insurance Committee on Tuesday, March 16.

March 15, 2021

Health Plans Helping to Bridge the Vaccine Gap

Throughout the COVID-19 Crisis, health plans have done their part to help Americans get and stay healthy. Now, they are helping to increase vaccinations, especially for the most vulnerable populations who may have the toughest time getting to vaccine sites.

March 15, 2021

TAHP Opposes Insulin Copay Cap Mandates: A Hidden Tax on Employers

insulin has been around for decades, but no generic alternatives exist. That is because the pharmaceutical companies that control the market make small tweaks to extend the patents—gaming the system, artificially inflating prices, and keeping generics off the market. Even though the original patent for insulin was bought for only $1 a hundred years ago and the average cost to produce insulin is only about $6 a vial, the average price of insulin has grown by more than $300 a vial in the last 20 years.

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February 26, 2021

Containing Out-of-Control Costs – Suggestions from Bill Hammond

In a recent op-ed published by the Dallas Morning News, Bill Hammond, chief executive of Texas Employers for Insurance Reform, outlined one of the biggest problems faced by employers today: the rapidly increasing cost of health care.

February 4, 2021

TAHP Files Complaint Against FSER Abuses

As Texas Legislators meet to consider changes to Texas law, many are understandably upset about the practices of free-standing emergency rooms (FSERs). News stories of $10,000 COVID tests from FSERs have populated the headlines for months, and many want to take action.

January 28, 2021

TAHP Announces Medicaid Priorities for the 2021 Legislative Session

The COVID-19 crisis reminds us of the value of affordable health insurance coverage and the peace of mind it brings to Texans and their families. Medicaid managed care has played a key role in helping provide coverage during this economic and health care crisis. Texas Medicaid managed care plans cover medical expenses, coordinate complex medical care, and help Texans stay as healthy and active as possible—all while providing caring, compassionate one-on-one support. The focus on prevention, wellness, and care coordination—getting Texans the care they need to get healthy, stay healthy, and live in their communities—has translated into better care and lower costs. As a result, millions of Texans—including children and pregnant moms—have seen improved outcomes and Texas taxpayers have saved over $5 billion.

January 21, 2021

Texas Health Insurance Providers and PBMs Fight Out-of-Control Drug Prices

While Big Pharma is posting record profits, too many hardworking Americans have to choose between paying their bills and accessing life-saving medicines. Today, more than 21.5 cents of every health care dollar still go to pay for prescription drug costs—more than any other health care expense. That’s why TAHP is prioritizing health insurance provider and PBM efforts to lower drug prices this legislative session.

January 14, 2021

TAHP Joins THCA’s Call to Increase Affordable Access to Care

The COVID-19 crisis has underscored just how important it is for Texas to address our systemic health care provider shortage. Before COVID-19, over 7 million Texans were already experiencing shortages of primary care and over 15 million Texans were already experiencing a shortage of behavioral health care. During the 87th Session, the Texas Association of Health Plans will be advocating to increase affordable access to high-quality health care through more options, better quality, and lower costs.

December 4, 2020

Press Release – TAHP Applauds New TDI Rule That Will Expand Access to Association Health Plans

AUSTIN—Texas Association of Health Plans (TAHP) CEO Jamie Dudensing issued this statement following the Texas Department of Insurance’s adoption of a rule establishing a process for an employer group or association to sponsor an employee health benefit plan:

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