Category Policy 63 articles to read

HHSC: Policy Council for Children and Families

September 10, 2020
Data & Analysis
Policy

The Policy Council for Children and Families works to improve the coordination, quality, efficiency and outcomes of services provided to children with disabilities and their families through the state's health, education and human services systems. The council produces a biennial report with recommendations to the executive Commissioner of HHSC and the Texas Legislature. The council includes family members of children with special health care needs and representatives of community, faith, business and other organizations.
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HHSC: Health and Human Services System Coordinated Strategic Plan 2021–2025 – Public Hearing

September 1, 2020
Budget
Policy
Regulatory

Welcome. The hearing was convened by Jordan Dixon, HHSC, and Lara Lamprecht. Overview of Health and Human Services System Strategic Planning Elements.

Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on September 1, 2020. Email comments should be sent to strategicplancomments@hhsc.state.tx.us. Include your name and whether you’re representing an organization or if you’re commenting as a private citizen. Health and Human Services Commission

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COVID-19 and State Fiscal Implications

May 19, 2020
Budget
Policy
Regulatory

This article is provided as courtesy of Billy Millwee with Millwee & Associates Consulting. Billy served as the Texas Medicaid Director and Deputy Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner for a number of years, and he and his firm have been engaged in Medicaid consulting on a national level since 2012. Overview Across the nation, states are facing significant budget challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As revenues decline, state expenditures are simultaneously increasing due to increasing demands on state services. In many cases, anticipated general fund revenues will be less than the costs to maintain state services. Despite these challenges, states must continue to balance their budgets.[1] There are three main budgetary impacts of COVID-19:

  1. Higher Direct Costs – States have already incurred and will continue to incur significant direct costs to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key areas impacted include law enforcement, health systems, infrastructure, and education. For example, states may allocate funding to expand hospital and laboratory capacity, purchase and refurbish medical supplies, and fund state health programs to provide testing and treatment.
  2. Higher Indirect Costs – States will incur higher indirect costs from changes in the state’s economic conditions that are resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, as unemployment rises and income falls, more people will qualify for health and social service programs funded by state governments.
  3. Lower Revenues – States will face revenue implications driven by economic changes resulting from COVID-19.

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