August 19, 2019

Fiscal Notes: Texas and the 1115 Medicaid Waiver

(AUSTIN) — In the August edition of Fiscal Notes, released today, the Comptroller's office examines the state's Medicaid waiver for its Healthcare Transformation and Quality Improvement program, commonly called the 1115 Medicaid waiver.

The federally funded program will provide Texas with up to $25 billion between 2018 and 2022, but it is currently set to expire during the next two years.

"Federal revenue provides more than half of the money we spend on health and human services, so anything that affects that funding stream can have significant consequences," said Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar. "The 1115 Medicaid waiver channels federal funding to medical providers that serve the state's most vulnerable populations."

This issue also takes a look at Texas' state jail program, created in 1993 as a less restrictive and more cost-effective alternative to prison, with an emphasis on treatment, rehabilitation and successful re-entry to society. Recently, some have criticized the program for drifting away from its original goals.

Fiscal Notes is available online and can be received by subscribing via the Comptroller's website.

Fiscal Notes furthers the Comptroller's constitutional responsibility to monitor the state's economy and estimate state government revenues. It has been published since 1975, featuring in-depth analysis concerning state finances and original research by subject-matter experts in the Comptroller's office.