Although Texas Gov. Rick Perry has publicly opposed the Medicaid expansion within the healthcare reform law, six of Texas' most populous counties are considering an alternative in which they would expand the program on their own, according to a Washington Post report.
George Hernandez Jr., CEO of University Health System in San Antonio, part of Bexar County, originated the idea of a county-run Medicaid expansion. However, in order for the plan to take effect, it would need approval from both the federal and state level, and "federal officials would have to waive requirements that states apply the same eligibility standards statewide," according to the report.
The hospitals in the six counties could see the proposal gaining support, as their counties offer roughly $2 billion per year in charity care for uninsured and poor patients.
George Hernandez Jr., CEO of University Health System in San Antonio, part of Bexar County, originated the idea of a county-run Medicaid expansion. However, in order for the plan to take effect, it would need approval from both the federal and state level, and "federal officials would have to waive requirements that states apply the same eligibility standards statewide," according to the report.
The hospitals in the six counties could see the proposal gaining support, as their counties offer roughly $2 billion per year in charity care for uninsured and poor patients.
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