Texas Senate Budget Cuts: Majority to Come from Medicaid

The Senate passed its budget bill with $11 billion in cuts from the current biennium.  Over $6.6 billion or 60% will come from Medicaid.

It's up to a joint committee to find a compromise between the House and Senate versions.  It means pain to Concho Valley health care providers accepting Medicaid.  The question is how much?  Rep. Drew Darby's House guts $115 million, while Senator Duncan's body slashes over $55 million. 

Medicaid comprises 11.5% of Shannon Medical Center's payor mix, according to Fitch Ratings.  Representative Mike Conaway's handout at his 2009 health care "open house" stated 23% of those without health coverage qualified for Medicaid, but weren't enrolled.  Conaway never led a town to town barnstorming tour to sign his constituents up for Medicaid.  The Legislature's cutting Medicaid will stress local safety net providers, maybe to the point of breaking.  Sellout, that's one local angle.