Senate lawmakers unveiled bills today to reform how health care is paid for and how providers are held accountable for patient outcomes. Here’s a look at how the wording of Texas’ proposed reform legislation compares to the wording of the often-maligned federal health care reform law in Washington.
federal health reform
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Criminal Justice
Texas “On the Brink,” Legislative Group Says
Texas’ superlatives are nothing to brag about, according to the fifth edition of “Texas on the Brink,” an annual review that ranks the state on dozens of factors ranging from health insurance to voter turnout.
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Health care
For Senate Democrats, Abortion Bill Reveals Split
Unlike the debate over voter ID, in which Senate Democrats stood united in their opposition, a combination of politics, religion and personal histories have made the sonogram bill more divisive in their caucus.
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Criminal Justice
Advocates: Prison Health Cuts Will Prompt Lawsuits
Health care in Texas prisons is already so abysmal it borders on being unconstitutional, according to a report released today by the Texas Civil Rights Project. The cuts lawmakers are now considering, they said, will almost certainly spark lawsuits that could cost Texas more money than it would spend to simply improve the system.
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Health care
Doctor Loan Repayment Deal in Jeopardy
More than 100 Texas doctors made a deal with the state: For four years, they would practice in underserved communities and treat the neediest patients — in return for having their med school debt forgiven. But now state officials may be backing down from their side of the bargain.
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Health care
Report: Cost of Obesity Rising
Obesity cost Texas businesses $9.5 billion in 2009, according to a report released today by Comptroller Susan Combs. It could cost them $32.5 billion annually by 2030.
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Economy
Texas Won’t Secede — But It Won’t Shut Up Either
Texas leaders aren’t talking about secession, after an outbreak of conversation a couple of years ago. But the germ of the idea remains in the anti-federalist talking points that fueled Gov. Rick Perry’s re-election campaign last year and provided the outline for his book, Fed Up!
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Health care
Health Care Advocates Offer Emotional Testimony
From patients and parents to nurses and practitioners, the many faces of Texans affected by health care budget cuts gathered at the Capitol today to give an earful to lawmakers on the Senate Finance Committee.
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Health care
Lawmakers Get Strong Message On Health Funds
The Senate Finance Committee heard public testimony today on proposed cuts to health and human services.
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Health care
Are Payment Reform, Texas Budget In Conflict?
Lawmakers are crafting legislation to make health care more affordable and effective by rewarding doctors who get the best medical outcomes. But the cuts they’re proposing to meet the state’s budget shortfall could hinder some of the same physicians they’re relying on to implement payment reform.
