State Sen. Dan Patrick says he knows why the federal government has intervened on two key bills facing Texas lawmakers in the final days of the legislative session: “retribution.” But is it that simple?
federal health reform
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Health care
Kolkhorst Throws Herself a Life Raft on Heath Care Compact Bill
Rep. Lois Kolkhorst threw herself a life raft tonight, attaching her Health Care Compact bill — a measure that would seek to give Texas control of the purse strings for Medicare and Medicaid — onto a Senate health care bill that the House passed on third reading.
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Health care
Kolkhorst Holding Nelson’s Health Bill Hostage
Rep. Lois Kolkhorst is holding Sen. Jane Nelson’s health reform bill hostage.
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Health care
State Efforts to Take Control of Medicaid Struggling
Texas’ efforts to take control over Medicaid, the joint state-federal health care program for poor children and the disabled, could be in trouble.
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Health care
Senate Approves Bill on Health Reform Costs
In a mixed-bag swipe at “Obamacare,” the Texas Senate approved a bill today that would require state agencies to report the costs — and savings — of implementing federal health care reform.
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Health care
House Gives First OK to Dewhurst’s Health Reform
House lawmakers have given the first OK to a key piece of Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst’s health reform plan, after efforts to turn the bill into a health care Christmas tree fell short.
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Health care
Dewhurst, Abbott, Nelson Fire Back at Trade Commission
State lawmakers have fired back against a Federal Trade Commission letter suggesting Senate Bill 8 — a key piece of Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst’s health reform push — violates antitrust laws. The measure is expected to come up for a vote in the House on Tuesday.
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Health care
Senate OKs Changes to Newborn Screening Program
State health officials can no longer use infant blood samples for non-approved purposes without parental consent, under a measure Senate lawmakers approved today.
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Health care
End-of-Life Bills Appear Dead
For the third session in a row, legislation covering end-of-life care in Texas appears, well, dead.
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Health care
Family Practice Residencies Take Big Budget Hit
The residency programs that train Texas family physicians will take a big hit under the education budget agreement lawmakers unveiled today.
