State Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Southside Place) announced the filing of Senate Bill 25, which would allow Texas to take initial steps towards establishing its right to regulate health care within the state and end federal government oversight of health care related issues in Texas.
Huffman’s senatorial district includes the Bellaire area.
The bill, joint authored by Huffman and State Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound), allows Texas to enter into a constitutionally established “interstate compact”.
Authorized by the U.S. Constitution, an interstate compact is a statutorily authorized agreement between two or more states to enter into collaborative contracts as a means to regulate areas of mutual concern. Under provisions of the proposed bill, the area of “mutual concern” to be regulated would be health care.
“This is an important first step for Texas to eventually run our own health and human services programs,” Huffman said. “The passage of this legislation would pave the way for states to establish the most appropriate system within their own borders.”
If the bill is approved by the Texas Legislature, the state would be authorized to work with other states that adopt similar legislation to send the proposals contained in the bill to Congress for its approval. Should Congress consent, the compact would supersede any federal laws, rules or regulations that contradict Texas’ laws governing health care.
The compact would vest the primary responsibility to regulate health care with each individual state’s legislature, which would individually decide what is best for their respective citizens.
“The compact, pending Congressional consent, would enable our state to run our health and human services programs and provides the funds that would fulfill that responsibility,” Huffman said. “Texas simply cannot afford Medicaid’s current structure and rate of growth. I am proud to lend my support to this innovative approach to reforming our state’s Medicaid program.”
robert riquelmy says
Curious, but interesting!