Texas Lawmakers To Tackle Healthcare Challenges

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Mike W. Thomas – San Antonio Business Journal

Texas lawmakers have been presented with a list of healthcare challenges that need to be addressed during the next legislative session that begins in January.

The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services’ Interim Report to the 84th Texas Legislature includes recommendations for expanding women’s access to preventative care, improving the state’s mental health services, stopping prescription drug abuse and finding affordable care options for the state’s uninsured population.

“This report provides a blueprint for tackling some of our state’s most pressing healthcare issues,” said Sen. Charles Schwertner, M.D. (R-Georgetown), who chairs the committee.

Some of the highlighted recommendations in the report include:

  • Reviewing the Department of Family and Protective Services’ efforts to reduce child fatalities;
  • Monitoring the implementation of programs that were created to improve mental health and substance abuse services;
  • Examining women’s access to preventative health care;
  • Identifying cost-effective alternatives to Medicaid;
  • Assessing the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program structure;
  • Evaluating the current strategies for reducing prescription drug abuse in Texas;

The 84th Texas Legislature begins on Jan. 13, 2015.