HB 5 (Kolkhorst) as substituted was passed to third reading in the House last night with 102 ayes and 46 nays. CSHB 5 attempts to establish the legal framework for Texas to join other states in an Interstate Health Care Compact which would be a partnership with other states to ask the federal government for control over Medicaid and Medicare in Texas.
“The health care compact is probably the ultimate block grant from the United States Congress,” Kolkhorst said. Opponents to the legislation do not think Washington will approve and without federal oversight, opponents are concerned; Medicaid eligibility and benefits may be reduced.